Scripture:

3 John 9-10
9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.
NASU


Thoughts:

Sometimes we think of church problems as a new thing, but clearly from the beginning they have existed.  Diotrephes had an unholy control over this church.  No doubt a charismatic and in some way intimidating figure to have taken over the church like this (verse 10b).  Imagine the arrogance of a man who exerts himself over John, one of Christ's inner circle, apostle, prophet, and author of much of the New Testament!  This is grievous to read, but perhaps even more grievous is to think of God's children under the control of such people, today.  We do not have to look far to find contemporary cases of similar abuse.


Prayer:

Preserve Your church, oh God.  I pray for those who find themselves in an unhealthy church.  I pray that in the midst of the ugliness, that their faith in You will not fail.

I pray also, that I never contribute to such unhealthiness in the places You take me in the body.  Help me to learn of You who is meek and lowly in heart, not from those who exalt themselves, like Diotrephes.

Amen