Inspiring Example

of what not to do. Sometimes we focus on the good examples in Scripture, but I also learn from the bad examples.  I'm probably weird that way.   I was reading in 1, 2 and 3  John last week and these verses jumped out at me:

[3Jo 1:9-10 ESV] 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 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.

Diotrephes sounds like a divisive person or a pain in the hindquarters.  Some people just have to have their own way and expect other people to believe and act exactly the same way they would.  If you don't, you become their opponent.

His mistakes include:

• putting himself first
• did not respect apostolic authority
• bearing false witness
• doesn't extend hospitality
• prevents others from doing good
• he bullies others

I googled him after writing the interpretation above, and gotquestions.org had this article on him.

Don't be like Diotrephes!!!!