CHARACTER MATTERS: Be the Demetrius in the world full of Diotrephes

 

        

        Are you the kind of Diotrephes or the Demetrius Christian?

Both of them are Christians. One is a true Christian and the other one is not. It is easy to identify if someone is a true Christian by the way they live. It is their behaviors toward others whether they are inside or outside the church. Character really matters. 

- Through reading the word of God in 3 John 1, we will get to know who Diotrephes and Demetrius are. Let’s look at their actions and see what spirit they carried.

Diotrephes:

• loves to put himself first

• proud and arrogant

• does not accept what others say

• refuses to recognize and submit the authority of God’s chosen

• brings unjustified charges against the Leaders

• unjustly accuses others with wicked words

• refuses to receive the [missionary] brothers 

• spreading malicious nonsense about the co-believers of Christ

• forbids those who want to [welcome them] and puts them out of the church

Diotrephes was serving God while boasting himself of every achievement in his ministry. Simply, the problem for Diotrephes was pride. In his pride, he did not receive the apostles such as John. Just like Satan who was given an assignment to lead but seeking power higher than God. 

Demetrius:

• well spoken of by everyone

• produced a good testimony to everyone

• who stands with the truth

Demetrius, one that stands for truth and was following the Lord and those whom the Lord has placed over him. He didn’t boast himself, rather his brothers were the ones testified about his godly behaviors towards the church. Just like the Lord Jesus who didn’t boast Himself though He’s equal to God in power and nature. 

Truly, this world is full of Diotrephes. It is very common seeing people gossiping and talking maliciously about others. Do not participate in this ungodly behavior or even be with them if your spirit is weak. But if you think that the spirit in you is strong enough as God is for you (Romans 8:31), rebuke or correct them. Be the influence to the unbelievers. Be the testimony of the life of Jesus. 

 

Let’s remember:

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.

3 John 1:11

Reflections: 

• Are you the Diotrephes or the Demetrius in your church?

• What spirit do your actions look more like within the Body of Christ?

• How do you respond to people like Diotrephes? 

• Do you commend people like Demetrius to encourage others to walk in truth?