Why is it important to "not imitate what is evil" in leadership roles? The Setting: Gaius and Diotrephes in 3 John 3 John opens with John commending Gaius for faithful hospitality, then turning to Diotrephes, a domineering leader whose conduct sparks John’s sharp warning: • 3 John 1:10 — “So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious rumors about us. Not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and he stops those who want to do so and throws them out of the church.” • 3 John 1:11 — “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.” Why Evil Imitation Is Especially Dangerous for Leaders • Influence multiplies: Luke 6:40 — “Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” What leaders model becomes the norm. • Misrepresents God: 2 Corinthians 5:20 — leaders stand as ambassadors; evil patterns distort the gospel they proclaim. • Invites stricter judgment: James 3:1 — teachers “will incur a stricter judgment.” God measures shepherds by the example they set. • Causes others to stumble: Romans 14:13 — “never again be a stumbling block.” When leaders act unjustly, followers trip. • Reveals spiritual blindness: 3 John 1:11 — evil imitators “have not seen God,” exposing a deeper heart issue. Marks of Evil Imitation in Diotrephes • Self-promotion: he “loves to be first.” • Slander: “spreading malicious rumors.” • Hospitality withheld: refuses to welcome traveling brothers. • Intimidation: ejects obedient believers from fellowship. These behaviors all contradict 1 Peter 5:3, which calls elders to lead “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” The Good to Imitate • Humble service (John 13:14-15) • Sound doctrine coupled with integrity (Titus 2:7) • Generous hospitality (Hebrews 13:1-2) • Compassionate correction (Galatians 6:1) • Courageous truth-telling without gossip (Ephesians 4:25-29) Paul summed it up: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Practical Takeaways for Today’s Leaders • Guard your platform: giftedness never excuses ungodliness. • Welcome accountability: John planned to confront Diotrephes publicly; transparency protects the flock. • Elevate others: promote the mission, not yourself. • Keep hospitality active: open doors signal open hearts. • Speak truth without malice: correct, but refuse rumor. • Measure success by faithfulness, not control. Final Encouragement Leadership that refuses to imitate evil reflects the character of Christ, strengthens the church, and assures a clear witness to the watching world. |
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