I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 1:4
Are you a Gaius? Maybe a Diotrephes? Or perhaps you are like Demetrius. These three men are principal characters in John’s short third epistle. This is a highly personal letter dealing with members of the churches under the apostle’s care. It was probably toward the end of his life, and he was leaving what he saw as the most important principle for every Christian: walking in truth.
The letter was directed to Gaius, who was faithful in his unselfish devotion to Christ and the church, and a person commended for his hospitality. The apostle warned Gaius about Diotrephes, who probably held a leadership position in the church but who was more interested in himself than in the things of the Lord. John found him guilty of “talking wicked nonsense.” Diotrephes was a malcontent, a joyless person who made those around him unhappy also. Demetrius, by contrast, was a highly respected leader of the church. These three, a persistent Gaius, a peevish Diotrephes, or a pleasant Demetrius, still exist in the Church today.
Every godly church leader experiences joy, as the Apostle John did, when their congregation follows the Lord, walking in His ways, honoring the truth, building one another up, showing hospitality, and being a good witness for Christ Jesus. Every believer has a choice of living a God-honoring life or being self-centered. “Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please God” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Be a source of joy to those around you today… and to Jesus Christ, Himself. Pray for pastors and ministers whose congregations include Christians serving in government.
Today’s Verse: 3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 John 1:4-11
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
