October 14 2021

Today, Thursday October 14

What Is Your Place?

3 John 1:5-8 “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.”

The Apostle John appears to be the disciple that is most concerned about believers loving one another and as a result of this love they have a good testimony to the lost world. (John 13:35) It is no wonder that John is called the “Beloved Disciple”. In his Gospel he records the words of Jesus specifically when it comes to having unity with other believers. (John 17) He emphasizes the command of Jesus to love one another as evidence of our obedience. (John 14). Remember it was John who reminds us that “no greater love has a man for his friend than to lay down his life for him.” (John 15:13)

Now in his three epistles you cannot help but notice this same theme of loving one another as evidence of our love for God and spiritual maturity. In First John, John does not mention any individuals but on several occasions in the first two chapters he says specifically, “I write to you little children….”, I write to you young men…” and “I write to you fathers.” He acknowledges that we might be on different levels of spiritual growth.

In Second John, he writes specifically to the “Elect Lady and her children.” As I think about this I get the ideal this an individual in the church who loves and cares for others like only a mother can. I believe this is so important to notice as we should be so thankful for these dear people in our local body of believers.

But here in Third John, he writes directly to a man named Gaius. The more I study this little book and the more I learn about this man and his witness and testimony and his service to the Lord and the church, I am surprised that I have never shared a message about him.

Think about this with me, how the body of Christ is made up of brand new believers, “little children”. It has growing believers, “young men”. And mature believers who love and lead, like the “Elect Lady and Gaius.” The Lord wants you to fulfil your role of ministry and service in the church. Maybe only a few of us will get our names mentioned but we all are a vital part of the body of Christ in making it the Church what it should be so that it truly has a witness to the world around us.

What is your place in your local church?

God bless!