The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Timothy 6:7-12, “…we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.

8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

One does not have to be more than a casual observer to see and understand that one of the principal causes of the multiple conflicts existing in today’s world revolves around the desire for financial wealth! For some, it seems, there’s never enough! Paul gives sound advice to Timothy when he says, “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.”

Many, if not most, of the world’s contentions have their root in just wanting more than the next guy. Far too often, we observe the “holdings” of others; and that observation leads us to question why they have so much while we have so little. Perhaps we are being protected; for the Word says: “…those who want to get rich fall into temptation…and harmful desires, that end in ‘ruin and destruction.’” The apostle says that we should note well how longing for increased wealth leads to “wandering from the faith” and produces many griefs.

The remedy is not always easy, but it’s possible. Moreover, it is spiritually productive of faith, love, gentleness, and a good reputation among others. “Take hold” of things that are spiritually righteous, Paul tells Timothy. At the same time, he’s saying it to you and me. One day, we will all stand before the LORD Jesus Christ and give an account of our lives and how we have lived them. I’m praying that I will make a “good confession” on that date; and I’m praying that you will, too!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom