Building or Eroding Christ’s Church?

Jeremiah 50-51; 3 John 

“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”

3 John 9, 10

What happens when pride and jealousy gain a foothold in the heart of a leader?

They abuse their authority in ways that advance their own interests and they undermine the authority of others. This letter was written to Gaius, a wealthy businessman and church elder in Ephesus. Perhaps Diotrephes was also an elder in Ephesus who was hosting a house church meeting in his home. However, Diotrephes was abusing his authority by dividing the church of Ephesus. John was both an apostle and later the pastor of the church of Ephesus. Despite being imprisoned and many miles away, John confronts the sin of this unhealthy leader. Our speech, our hospitality, and our use of authority all expose the true motives of our heart. Positional authority, gossip, refusing hospitality to fellow brothers in Christ, and breaking fellowship with those who oppose us, all grieve God’s Spirit. John is contending for the health and spiritual DNA of the church.

Are we?

“Lord Jesus, this is your church. Guide my speech and actions today, so that I will contribute to building and strengthening your church.”