“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”
3 John 1:9 KJV
John, the beloved disciple said to Gaius his friend, that he had already written once about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge and recognized as first among the church, does not acknowledge their authority. Diotrephes loved being in charge, denigrated John’s counsel. When John came, he would hold Diotrephes to account for spreading vicious rumors about them. Diotrephes refused hospitality to traveling Christians and tried to stop others from welcoming them and instead threw them out. Obviously, Diotrephes saw himself as the most important one pushing himself forward with a controlling leadership style. Leaders must view other leaders not as threats but as coworkers. Love is not controlling or tyrannical. The local church needs a God-appointed ministry in the congregation from pastors, prophets, teachers, evangelists and apostles. In addition are itinerant ministers (proven to be authentic), who are to be received by the local church authorities and given both opportunities to minister, as well as generous gifts to send them on their way. This was the local church in the beginning and this still continues in these end times. Amen!
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