Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
3 John 1:11 NIV
In John’s final letter, 3 John, he wrote to Gaius, encouraging him to continue in the faith and in the truth of the gospel that had been preached to him. John also gave Gaius some warnings concerning troubling behaviours exhibited by certain individuals in the church. One such person was Diotrephes, who, though part of the church, no longer conformed to the teachings of the gospel upheld by the disciples. John’s instruction to Gaius was clear: “Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.”
This message remains crucial for us as believers today. While we encounter different kinds of people, both inside and outside the church, it is essential that we discern what is good and reject what is evil. Sadly, even within Christian communities, some have deviated from the truth by embracing teachings and practices contrary to the gospel.
So, John’s instruction to Gaius serves as a vital warning for us as well. We must guard ourselves against negative influences and bad company, which could lead us away from God’s will. We must not imitate what is evil, not matter the source. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible. One such instances is in Exodus 23:2, which says, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.” A behaviour is not justified simply because it is popular or widespread. It is God’s definition of right and wrong that determines the truth.
No matter how many people are engaging in sinful behaviour, we are to stand firm in God’s standards. What God declares as evil remains evil, regardless of its acceptance by society or even within the church.
As we build relationships and form friendships, especially within the church, we must take heed of these divine instructions. Failure to do so could lead us away from God’s purpose and into judgment. This passage reminds us that imitating bad behaviour leads to spiritual decay. Instead, we must strive to follow what is good, even if we stand alone in doing so.
Furthermore, scripture encourages us to follow God alone. As Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Similarly, Jesus instructs us in John 12:26, “If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also.”
As believers, we must always remember that we are to follow Christ and not people. Even if a person in leadership, such as a pastor or any spiritual leader, is guilty of wrongdoing, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Christ alone is our standard. We must ensure that no one, regardless of their position, leads us astray from God’s truth.
No matter the temptations or pressures we face, we must remain rooted in God’s word and follow His instructions. Let our faith be firmly anchored in Him as we look forward to the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, in a world filled with conflicting influences, it’s vital that we stand firm in our faith. John’s reminder to Gaius is a timeless message to us all: reject what is evil, don’t imitate it and hold fast to what is good. Follow Christ, not the crowd, and let God’s word be your guide in all you do. As you imitate the goodness of God, you will find yourself strengthened and ready for the return of Christ.
