3 John 1-13

The third letter of John was also written around A.D. 85-90.  It was addressed to Gaius, a leader in a church that John had helped to establish.  This is a more personal letter, yet it deals with many of the same issues of 1 & 2 John.  Let's take a look -

John starts by commending Gaius on his Christian attitude.  It seems that Gaius walks the walk, he doesn't just talk the talk.  And this is our lesson - live every day as if you are directly serving the Lord, because really, you are.  Treat everyone, friend and stranger, with love. 

John then compares Gaius with Diotrephes.  While Gaius is living out Christ's commandments & serving out of love, Diotrephes seems to be motivated by selfish ambition.  Watch out dear children, for there are many, many people in the church that have no real relationship with God.  They are simply there for what they can get.  Their actions will point them out & their deeds should not be tolerated.  John, as an elder, is willing to put a stop to this man's bullying ways.  If you are having difficulty with someone, go to an elder.  Let someone wiser who is outside of the situation decide how to properly resolve the issue.

Above all, seek to walk the walk!  Go deep in your relationship with God and wide in your relationship with others - serving out of love & not selfish ambition.  Remember, it's not about you, it's all about HIM.