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First In Line Caution
John Tilton3 John 1:9-10 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
John reminds us of an important caution that we forego putting ourselves first before God’s will and the good of the people we are called to. Putting ourselves first often results out of success where we tend to value our success and authority over what we are called to do, which sometimes may require us to be a Joseph in serving others rather then the captain calling the shots all of the time. It’s often, as we know founded in pride that develops and causes us to be territorial and exclusionary as Diotrephes did. They call it the silo syndrome where we begin working alone and with borders that are not inclusive of others, including relationships. The scary part is that sometimes it creeps in on us as leaders and we don’t realize it.
For me, it’s a great warning that my “A” type personality of taking action and getting things done with what I believe is a focus and what I think is a good intent, does not manifest into an authoritarian who tends to direct, demand and dominate rather then guide others towards their gifts in gathering the Godly, to work in unity and putting God, His call and plan and others before ourselves, our desires and our pride. May I place others before myself with a heart of encouragement, desiring to see others succeed and that all have a place in being counted and considered for His purposes of the great Kingdome of Jesus Christ. Whereby a silo sticks out visually and is always seen above others, may I be a foundational footing that gives others a firm and stable base to build on.
Dear Lord, may you always check me when I become full of myself, especially when I don’t see it.
