3 John 9-10" I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. " (ESV)
My sweet and loving Lord and Savior, the pride that resides within us all is such an ugly, nasty, and deadly serpent who is fed by the father serpent, Satan. His joy is to divide and destroy the "church" in any way that he can. I see them both at work here. First in Diotrephes, because his pride is so big that he will not acknowledge, or heed to, the Apostle John or other teachers of the truth that have been sent to the church where he is the leader by his choice; and secondly Satan, in that Diotrephes not only does not welcome these teachers with hospitality, but tells others not to do so either. Then when they do he puts them out of the church. Not only that, but he spreads malicious gossip about the true teachers so those who are unbelieving will not come to the truth, or those new believers and those who are not sure of the truth, will turn against the truth as well.
Lord, please keep me from the sin of pride! I do not ever want to be like Diotrephes or the enemy. I know what I am saying here before You and those who will read this. I know that You will humble me in areas where I need it. Help me to embrace and not chafe at Your correction, as I know it will be coming from YOU however, and by whomever, You choose to deliver it.
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