The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 3 May 2024 – Do Not Follow What Is Evil
TOPIC: Do Not Follow What Is Evil
READ: 3 John 9-11(NKJV)
- I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.
- Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting [them] out of the church.
- Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
THE MESSAGE:
Today’s passage is a sharp contrast to the good report in verses 1-8. It centres on a noble man called Diotrephes. It is possible that Diotrephes was a member with high social status, nobility and higher economic power. His status notwithstanding, he was later converted to Christianity, and subsequently brought his social lifestyle into the church. Over time, as the brethren maintained their respect for him, he gained a controlling hand.
Though wealthy and influential, he did not use his position and status to drive the ministry of hospitality, rather he forbade faithful Christians like Gaius from contributing to the ministry. John bluntly rebuked his actions and warned Gaius not to follow his evil steps(vv.10-11). Ministers of God today must be careful and watch carefully who they entrust with leadership positions in Church. Members can be easily deceived by so called Diotrephes-like persons in the church and think they will support our ministry with their wealth and influence. Paul admonished Timothy strictly that positions of leadership are not meant for recent converts, probably to avoid such Diotrephes-like acts (1 Timithy 3: 6) Christians also should beware of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothes’ in our churches. We should not emulate their steps but learn to take our stand even in the midst of evil and stand for good always.
PRAYER: Bad communication corrupts good manners!
