Running Your Mouth

June 3

Read: 3 John (another short one!)

Walk Not Talk

“For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (v. 3,4)

We have all heard the saying that “talk is cheap''. What the world needs more of is not talkers, but “walkers”. This man named Gaius gets affirmed for doing just that. Imagine having a personal letter written to you being included in the scriptures… pretty cool really. What is the gist of the letter? John encourages Gaius because he is “walking in the truth”. (v.3) There is no greater joy than to hear that the ones you love and invest in are walking in the truth. Why is it so special? Because it is rare. John gives a nod to this idea… he is writing to encourage Gaius because he is actually doing what God asks him to do! What is the alternative?

“I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.” (v.9,10)

What we see here is what is more common: liking to put oneself first, rejection of authority and coaching, talking wicked, and refusing to welcome in others while shunning those who do. There is a little bit of “Diotrephes” in all of us. One of the greatest gifts we are given as children of God is the chance to participate with God in what HE is doing… Chances to “walk out” our faith and not just sit around and talk about it. If we are not careful, our Christian life will drift into a bunch of cheap talk. Why not start asking God for opportunities to walk.

What are the areas where you “like to put yourself first”? Who are those in authority that you like to talk wicked about? (As my friend Dwight Smith says, “God decides who is in charge of your nation.” / cf. “Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will. -Daniel 5:21… oof!) Who are those you reject out of hand… offer no “hospitality to”? Who have you shunned and run out of the church? Lets “walk” not talk! Love you guys. - JDP