3 John
The problem with people of good will is that too often they are too willing to believe what people say rather than look at the reality of their actions. Just because people say they are saved, are active in church and may even hold a position of spiritual leadership doesn’t mean they are.
Only God can see a heart, man can only see the outward works of a person. James tells us that genuine faith produces life change – works we can see in a person’s life. Wisdom seeks a balance between being either naïve or cynical about people. The balance is found in not going solely by what people say but by how they act – in both attitude and actions. Does it line up with scripture?
In 3 John, John commends Gaius for his walk in truth and how he helped other servants of God through his hospitality (John 3:1-8). In contrast he condemns Diotrephes who was drunk on his own pride and power. He was a church leader who used his power for his own ends – controlling and intimidating others. Think of this, he rejected the teachers sent by the Apostle John, who was sent by Jesus. He was rejecting the authority of Christ Himself (John 3:9-10). A person’s attitude, words, and actions toward spiritual authority reveal their true heart condition.
John had harsh words for Diotrephes. He said Diotrephes’ actions showed he didn’t know God (John 3:11) regardless of his position in the church. Can we know someone’s heart? No, that is why we aren’t to pass judgment on it. However, we can know someone’s actions and base our judgment upon these.
The application here is when considering who you will allow to influence you, do business with, marry, follow or promote to any position of leadership – evaluate their attitude and actions not just their words. It is easier to talk truth than live it. As a person of good will it is so easy to be too naïve and trusting. However, as you gain life experience and deal with the sinfulness of people you can easily become cynical towards people. Both of these extremes will hinder our fruitfulness for God. Jesus said to “be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.” This strikes the balance between the two extremes. Jesus never lost His love for people nor did He give up on them. However, he knew what was in their hearts and used wisdom in how He carried out His life and ministry. Be wise rather than naïve and loving rather than cynical.
