What Would John Write About You?

There was so much I wanted to write about – all the daily readings are so good! However, when reading John’s third epistle I keyed into his description of two very different Christian men.

Having read the qualities he lists for each, it made me ask myself, “How might John describe me to those he was writing to?”

3 John 1:9, 12 (Amplified)

⁹I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first, does not accept what we say and refuses to recognize my authority.

¹² Demetrius has received a good testimony and commendation from everyone—and from the truth [the standard of God’s word] itself; and we add our testimony and speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Though Diotrephes was a leader in the church, John notes he…

• Puts himself first at the expense of others
• Is proud/arrogant not submitting to instruction of proven leaders
• Refuses to recognize the authority of God’s leaders

In contrast, Demetrius:

• Is highly thought of by everyone
• Is known to be a person of God’s Truth with a lifestyle aligning with the Truth of God’s Word
• Church leaders speak highly of him too

Asking myself how John might describe me to others helps me better understand where I am doing well and pinpoints areas for further growth that I can focus on this year.

What are the most prominent marks for your Christian walk? How might John write about your outstanding qualities?