3 John 9 KJV
[9] “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”
John has several things to say in this verse. First, that he had written unto the church before, but his letter was intercepted or hindered by a certain member. He also reveals who that member was by calling his name out in the text. I believe this is what should happen anytime someone tries to hinder the man of God from doing the Lord’s work. They should immediately be called out so everyone will know of their evil deeds. He goes on to say that this man’s problem was that he loved to have the preeminence. Diotrephes wanted to run the show, and would not receive the apostle. Even though Christ had accepted John, and had given him his approval in the ministry, Diotrephes refused to receive him because he had an ulterior motive. My question to you is, “Have you ever met this man?”
I ask this question because I wish more members were wise to the undermining and manipulative games that some people play in church. A pastor has to keep a watchful eye to keep the church in check, so that the flesh doesn’t rule. In a day when people like to shine and be recognized, this can become a difficult task. There are those that pass through the church looking only for titles and trophies. If you give them a position, or elevate them to a certain status in the church, they will be satisfied. It is not servitude that drives them, it is self-seeking glory. The problem with these types of people is that they can never be truly satisfied until they are number one. Mark them because they are dangerous. Do not follow them, or be fooled by their charisma or personality. If they are loving to everyone else in the church, but distant to the man of God or his family, this should be a major red flag. They are exhibiting the same characteristic as this man in our text. I ask you again, think very carefully, “Do you know this man?”