Gaius and Diotrephes

Gaius and Diotrephes belong to the same church (3 John). But that is about all they have in common. They do not possess the same spirit, nor do they exemplify the same truth before the world.

The egotist feels if he hadn't been born, the world would wonder why. Diotrephes felt this way. He believed that "for me to live is to make myself important."

Gaius is more than esteemed. He is truly loved, and loved for the truth's sake. Gais and Demetrius were men who followed Jesus in expressions of love, which were shown in tangible service. Gaius is a man who is spiritually healthy. John's prayer is that he might enjoy the same degree of bodily health that his soul enjoys. The triumph of his soul in great principles is so large that it far overshadows his physical well being. Happy is the man of whom this can be said. Gaius was among those who rendered service to the brethren, especially strangers. He helped by supporting those in God's work, and thus became a fellow worker in the truth. His life was true, and he followed the truth. Thus John writes, "No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth."

Diotrephes is a bird of a different feather. Above everything else Diotrephes likes to put himself first. He is so bold that he will not even acknowledge the authority of the apostle John. John says that he is "prating against me with evil words." Who then is safe from the strife of tongues? If reviling is the one talent you have, then I suggest you bury it. Yes, there are church members like Diotrephes today -- there always has been a likely will always be. They give Christianity a bad name. Remember there are also Christians like Gaius ans Demetrius.

One should not imagine that he is a person of influence simply because he has the power of destruction. If power it be, it is the lowest power. Hindering good movements and abusing good men is nothing to take pride in.

Every man has it within his power to be a Gaius or a Diotrephes. "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God" (3 John 11).

Unity

Unity

http://highlandcoc.podomatic.com/entry/2010-07-22T21_09_22-07_00

The Divided Church

https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2022/october/divided-church.html

Book of Titus Research

French

France is the fourth leading economic power in the world, and French is the second most spoken language in the world.  However:

19% of France call themselves atheists.

Only 16% of France believe that there is one true religion.

France is called "the graveyard for missionaries."

Pencil Lessons

A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX :

1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK..

2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.

3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.

4.) IN LIFE , YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS, WHICH WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON.

5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.


We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities.  Only you can fulfill the purpose for which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you.