I need to become more like Demetrius, not Diotrephes.
One builds up others and the Kingdom of God. The other only tears down others and, ultimately, himself.
We’re called to serve others and that means putting them ahead of ourselves.
Clearly, that’s what Demetrius did toward other Christians in the 1st Century church.
The Apostle John referred to Demetrius’ excellent pattern for living in 3 John vv. 11-12:
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.”
What a compelling example of good living!
A good reputation. A godly example. Appreciated by the spiritually wise.
Great targets for behavior that we should all desire.
Diotrephes, by contrast, was a big-time troublemaker, John wrote.
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.” (vv. 9-10).
A divisive, gossiping control freak has no legitimate place in the Church. That’s why we must grow in our faith in order to resist Satan’s persuasion to live for ourselves a la Diotrephes.
Some Bible scholars saw these names as pseudonyms, used for referring to two extremes of behavior or to actual people whom John didn’t want to specifically name.
The larger lesson for us is the same, either way. Good attitudes and good actions toward others lead to good reputations that build godly influence and grand futures in glory.
The opposite in attitude and actions toward others leads, of course, to the opposite of the above. Such people are to be confronted in godly, yet assertive ways.
Let’s live in a way that people see the spirit of Demetrius in us. It will put a smile on God’s face and isn’t that what it’s really all about, anyway?
As always, I love you
Martin
