The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Timothy 6:3-11, “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,

4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which envy, strife, abusive language, and evil suspicions arise,

5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.

7 For 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.”

If you have kept abreast of the news lately, you have undoubtedly noticed how wealth has grasped the focus of so many—especially those currently serving in some form of governmental service! What they apparently assess as “chump change” is what most Americans would view as a considerable increase toward paying monthly bills.

Don’t get me wrong! It’s not how much money a person has; it’s how he treats it! Money itself is not evil. Some godly men in the Bible had great wealth. What’s important is whether those with money view it as a means of furthering the work of the LORD or in furthering themselves in ventures that produce even more. Notice what Timothy says: “…we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it,” and “those who want to get rich fall into temptation…,” wander away from the faith and pierce themselves with many griefs.”

The strong admonition of Scripture is to: “…flee from (selfish) things…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” In short, it’s not how much you have, but what you do with what you have. Maintain a spiritual focus on spiritual things! God will bless that! And in the long run, you will spare yourself much grief and bring glory to the LORD!

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