9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
3 JOHN 9-10 ESV
As I shared yesterday, in the great work of God, there is no task too small or trivial. Every role we play and every small or big job we do for God and His family is important in His work. There should be no questions about that! However, we should ask, “how faithful am I in doing His work?” “Am I serving with the right heart and attitude?” It is like you made it to a profound basketball team, now you need to decide how you should play your role diligently and consistently to bring success to the team.
John praised Gaius for his hospitality and good example of a faithful fellow worker for the truth, and he rebuked Diotrephes for his bad example. Diotrephes had a rather important role in the church and was influential to others. But he was not doing his job! Instead, he was prideful. He did not acknowledge the authority of John and the apostles. He failed to receive them, and he also spoke against them. He even used his influence to forbid others from showing hospitality to John and his brothers. What Diotrephes did was in contrast to the humble hospitality of Gaius, who walked in the truth.
To all fellows workers for the truth – how are you doing the job God has given you today? Are you serving Him with a humble heart and giving your very best to Him? May God help us to serve Him with the right attitude – to serve faithfully and cheerfully.
And let’s also reflect on the #1 commandment given to us –
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
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