3rd John 11 FOLLOW - FOLLOW NOT None of us is completely immune to the influences and pressures around us. Believers are conscious of evil when they see it because the Holy Spirit has given us a new nature that responds to divine influences. The reading of the Bible, personal and public prayer, fellowship with Christians and assembly gatherings are all positive influences on us. When these things are consciously attended to, we experience "the joy of the Lord" and our spiritual strength matures. But because we are living in the world there are other influences that affect us negatively if we are not careful to "yield not to temptation." Billboards on the highway, groups of people who dress in suggestive ways, a news broadcast and the attraction of financial success all have an appeal that is not good. Our senses are all being influenced by that which is constantly bombarding them. The inward peace and spiritual strength to guard against this is plain - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee."
One of the most difficult influences with which we have to contend, is that which is cast by those who profess to be Christians but do not commit themselves to the practice of biblical Christianity. John knew that when he inserted a warning to his "beloved" child in the faith while writing about Diotrephes and the practices of evil generally. He again addresses Gaius with the word "beloved," indicating that even he was not immune to evil. This faithful man with a generous spirit toward others may have been pressured to support the "casting out of the church" of some people for totally unscriptural reasons. When this happens, a person in whom grace is a characteristic will often back away from confrontation in order "to keep the peace."
Any form of evil cannot be yielded to. We dare not allow or follow any self-opinionated man, nor should we submit to the influence they seek to impose on the people of God. The charge John makes to the beloved Gaius is to "not follow that which is evil." That means do not copy evil; do not mimic those who do practice evil - and in this case, spiritual evil that is couched in religious terms. A truly born-again child of God knows what is good and by virtue of the new nature, will seek to do that in spite of times of failure that may occur. Sin is not the practice of believer's life because we have the root of divine life in us.
The acts of good in the service of Gaius, and the good report of Demetrius and his consistency to the word of God, are in contrast to the evil practices of Diotrephes. The fact that the bent of Diotrephes' life and practices were evil, lets us know that even among the assemblies of those gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are those who have never been born again. When for some reason they take the place s13 of a leader, they are a special danger to the people of God. In a small company of saints, there is often the need of an articulate person to help in a local testimony. It is then that one who has a charismatic personality, or a dogmatic way of speaking so that he overpowers the gracious words of other, gains control and a "following."
Habitual goodness is not hard to see. It may not always be out in the open but those who practice doing good leave an impression that we can follow by doing the same things with the same attitude. The pattern of good and grace that one demonstrates is the template by which we should serve. Those things that are "good" have the impression of our Lord stamped upon them. He is "the Bread of God" on which we feed. One who follows Him will have spiritual food to give that builds others up in their faith. Our Lord is "the Light of the world" who reveals truth and righteousness. When we follow Him, we will have "the light of life." He is "the Good Shepherd" and those who follow Him will be true caring shepherds of God's people. In many ways those who "follow that which is good" will exemplify the life and ministry of our Lord.
There is really no evidence given to indicate Diotrephes was a Christian. Doing evil is not of God and John wrote that such a person "hath not seen God." They are a stranger to God. They do not know God because they have never met Him by faith. It is not in their nature to do "God-like (godly)" things. No matter how articulate, how persuasive and how dogmatic such a person may be - we are not to follow him or her.
The beauty of grace and divine love shed abroad in one's heart cannot be hidden. Even when correction of any kind has to be given, there is evidence of these spiritual attributes that can be seen and faith is demonstrated when the word of God is applied to even the most difficult of situations. A biblical characteristic of a true spiritual leader is that he recognizes his role is that of a servant of the church. He is not an autocratic boss over those for whom he professes to care. The "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" exemplifies this. "Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." The light of life is not obscure, its evidence is easily seen. He who was rich for us became poor, that we might also reflect His beam Of grace and truth, of faith and love; that was there for all to see. Now these character traits He did have, should be seen by others in me.
Godliness is not hard for us to discern; it has a glory that is all of its own. When on display, to it people turn; following good is easily shown. Opportunities abound, good works reveal, a nature that has God as its source. Following good has a basic appeal, when allowed to follow its chosen course.
When choices are made, the rule to follow, is for me to imitate that which is good. Whether in teaching or practices which we allow, I need to commit to giving good spiritual food That will enable whose who are looking on, to know we follow that which is right. It may not appear that we are especially strong, just that we live and walk in the light.
There will be times when we have to rebuke the bad, in order to correct some wrong action. However, the outcome will make others glad; evil unchecked has a very bad reaction. Doing good may not be easy but it is always right, goodness is a characteristic of our God. "The path of the just is as a shining light," it is a practice supported by God's holy word.
"Father, I know there are those who have strong opinions about other people and various subjects that seem to me to be fairly trivial in the light of eternity. However, I know I do not have the right to pass a condemning judgment on them because of differing opinions. But when there is a person who does not have any evidence of being a Christian and he is leading the people of God astray, then I ask Thee for wisdom, grace, love and faith to seek to stop their bad influence on Thy people. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."