The Upward Look
© Copyright 2008, Max D. Hutto,

“ I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.”
   3 John 9 NASB ©

Whatever the apostle John had written in a previous letter to this church, it did not sit well with Diotrephes. Diotrephes may have been an elder or just an influential member of the church, but he wanted to be in charge, to be the leader or dictator of the church. He refused to listen to the apostle. He demanded his own way no matter what the apostle or any other person had to say. Many a church member has had this same dangerous desire for power and prestige, demanding that things be done his way. These prideful and power hungry members have refused to listen to other church leaders or to the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, You are to have first place in our lives and in Your church. Help me to carefully listen to Your voice and to submit to Your leadership.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)