Beware of Diotrephes
There are some
characters in scripture with whom it is a privilege to likened. To be called a Timothy, or a Mary or a Martha
could be flattering. What you would not
want to be called, is a Diotrephes. I
first heard someone called a Diotrephes when I was a teenager bursting with
enthusiasm and frustrated because my church at the time seemed generally
lifeless (at least to a critical teenager).
I cannot be sure exactly who the person I was speaking with was
referring, but I know the kind of person she was describing.
Diotrephes
gets just one brief mention in the New Testament, in 3
John verses 9 and 10. Since he
gets this mention, and his character and conduct also get described in detail,
I presume that the Holy Spirit wants us to know about him, understand him, and
avoid becoming like him.
His name is
interesting as it means ‘nurtured by Zeus’. We can conclude that he was a gentile
Christian. Zeus, the god of thunder, was
the king of the gods of Mount Olympus, ruling with a rod of iron. I find myself wondering whether Diotrephes
had admired, or even worshipped Zeus before becoming a Christian. His own behaviour is rather Zeus like. It
certainly seems to me that he might well have brought something from his
pre-conversion culture into his Christian life.
He likes to be seen to be important, and loves that important status,
while exercising his leadership role in an autocratic – even dictatorial –
manner.
We note first
that this is contrast to the character and behaviour of Jesus. He is the king who is gentle and comes riding
on a donkey. This is the one who entered
the world in a stable, and who sought no glory for himself. This is the one who humbled himself,
divesting himself of the majestic splendour that was his by right. This is the Master who washes feet.
We also note
that this was contrary to the teaching of both Jesus and the apostles. Jesus was clear that among his disciples there
was no room for anyone who might seek to lord it over another. On one occasion he spoke about the seating at
a feast and the folly of claiming superiority. Paul emphasises humility in Philippians
2:1-4. In Romans
12:3 Paul encourages the Christians not to think of themselves more
highly than they ought. The very principle of fellowship (Greek: Koinonia) is
based upon essential equality.
Diotrephes’
longing to have the pre-eminence is not his only weakness. He has also made himself the gatekeeper for
the church of which he is a part. He
controls who or what may gain admittance.
The apostle John finds himself excluded.
In this respect he is not prepared to have his authority challenged, so
anyone who does not fall in line with his decisions, he expels from the
church. No room for dissent. He is an extreme example of what we usually
call a control freak.
To these two
bad characteristics is added a third. He
spreads around malicious nonsense. No
doubt to reinforce his own position and opinions and defend himself from any
criticism he employs slander and gossip. Here then is a man who has an inflated
opinion of his own worth, is dictatorial, controlling, and instead of speaking
words of love, tells lies to deliberately hurt the innocent. No wonder that John feels that it is
important to call attention to his misdemeanours and urges his readers not to
imitate what is evil but what is good.
I was once
taught that in any social group there will be one or some who will take the
lead. When I asked how these could be
identified, I was told look for the ones who others listen to. These comments were made to me regarding
small rural churches where it is often claimed there are no leaders. We are currently living in days when
authority is regularly challenged, and assertiveness is often praised. Trying to provide leadership in churches is
not a science but an art. Diotrephes
stands in scripture as a stark example about how not to do it. In character and conduct he is a contrast to
the character and conduct of our wonderful Saviour, whose model we are called
to follow. Unfortunately, that might
also lead to some kind of crucifixion.
It seems to me
that the spirit of this age is rebellion against authority. For those of us who are Christians, dissent
should always be tempered with love, and those in leadership must not stifle
the opinions of others. In God’s
economy, all are valued. If we can get
our relationships right, seeking to prefer one another, considering others
better than ourselves, we will be a light in the darkness. Beware Diotrephes,
for he can emerge from anywhere within our churches.
From the Diary
Give thanks to
God for an excellent time at the Rural Likewise event in North Nibley,
Gloucestershire last Tuesday. Thirty
people registered mostly from small rural churches. I heard much that was encouraging and even
exciting.
This Saturday,
24th September I shall be taking part in the Congregational
Federation’s Mission and Society Committee in Nottingham. This is an important committee so please pray.
Much of my
time is currently being spent preparing for various upcoming events. On Thursday and Friday, 29th and
30th September I shall be taking part in the Enabling Group for
Churches Together in England. On the
Thursday evening I have the privilege to talk about the Congregational
Federation and chose to share this with my friend and colleague from the United
Reformed Church as both traditions share a common history marked by courage and
conviction and which has led to the blessing of many. Please pray that what is said and how it is
said may glorify Jesus and bless all.
On Saturday 1st
October (where has this year gone!) I will be leading an online seminar on the
theme of the powerful influence of image.
Tragically, the failure of many churches to recognise the importance of
image means that the message they long to share with others is drowned out by
the many unspoken messages we give out daily.
There is still time to book your place for this event if you have not
done so. It is free. It starts at 9.00 and runs for 45 minutes,
with a lot to think about. All that is
needed is an internet connection with sound.
This is really an important topic so in addition to praying for it, please
encourage others as well as registering yourself at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7965285920768011533
Sunday 2nd
October starts a very busy week which includes, among other activities, a trustees
meeting for Sunrise Ministries, the charity title for Rural Mission
Solutions. In the midst of this busy
period I am reminded of the words of Martin Luther who suggested that at times
like this one should spend more time in prayer.
Thank you for
your prayers on my behalf. It means so
much to me
.
Barry
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