Jump Start # 3966
3 John 9 “I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.”
The little book of third John is less than 300 words. It is made up of fifteen verses and twenty sentences. Yet, in these few brief words, John introduces us to three different people: Gaius (1); Diotrephes (9); Demetrius (12). Two of the three, Gaius and Demetrius, were doing well. They were commended by the apostle. But ole’ Diotrephes was causing trouble. He gets three of these fifteen verses. He refused to accept what an apostle wrote. He refused to accept people that John sent. He wickedly accused John of evil things. He had a strangled hold on that church. It was his way or no way. John was coming and it wasn’t going to end well for Diotrephes.
Pride, jealousy, misunderstanding Biblical authority are just a few of the issues that Diotrephes had. His problems created problems in the church. And, what a lesson for all of us to see:
First, one person or one family can change the spirit, direction and attitude of a congregation. Get some busy disciples move in and before long, the whole church seems busier than it had ever been. The culture can change because of the godly influence of just one person or one family. But, the opposite can just as easily happen. Get a Diotrephes moving in and a church that once was at peace is now all upset. Gossip fills the air. People are pitted against each other. The leadership is questioned. Suspicion leads to accusations.
Shepherds need to think about who is allowed to place membership. Look at a person’s past relationships with congregations. Has that person bounced around a lot and left places a mess? In some cases, it is good to tell a person to go back where they are leaving and work things out there. Rather than jumping ship over and over, learn to be a team player. Learn to forgive. Learn to accept that not everyone sees things the way that I do.
Some places are so eager to accept a person, that very little thought is given to the attitude of that person. Some come with an agenda of changing a place. Some come and they want to run the place. So some questions are in order. Some vetting needs to take place. Some phone calls may be necessary. The peace and unity of a congregation can flip over night because of one person.
Second, we must look at ourselves when we move from one congregation to another congregation. You can’t turn the new place into what you have left. People, circumstances, opportunities are unique to each congregation. After ten years in Kansas City I moved to where I am now in New Albany, IN. I remember those first few meetings with the shepherds. I’d say, “Back in Kansas City, we’d do it this way.” Or, “In Kansas City we tried this and it was great.” Before long it struck me that if I keep saying, “Back in Kansas City,” they might just put me on bus headed to Kansas City. Each place, like each home, carries the personality of the people there. Keep that in mind. It’s easy to want to take charge and fix things that do not need fixing.
Third, Diotrephes got in the position that he was in because the people there allowed it. Maybe they are afraid of him. Maybe he was threatening, intimidating and loud. But he was out of control, doing evil and hurting the kingdom of God. For eternity his name is known as a trouble maker in the kingdom. Standing up to a Diotrephes is hard. It takes a mountain of faith and courage. It’s not about who is in charge and who is right. It’s about the Lord’s way. There comes a time for Bibles to be opened and the call to follow the Scriptures or else be made. The “or else” may lead to marking and even practicing discipline. The “or else” sometimes results in others leaving who are under the spell of a Diotrephes. As unpleasant and difficult as this is, it is much worse to live in fear and allow someone to take the helm of the congregation and steer it away from the Lord.
Gaius is the beloved. Demetrius has a good testimony from everyone. And, then there is Diotrephes. He caused trouble because he is a troubled disciple. Which are you? Which one would others say you are?
Short letter, but powerful in message.
Roger