Sometimes loving leadership exposes and corrects.

3 John 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church. To provide a little context, it is thought that this letter was written at the time in the history of the church where the church was transitioning from apostolic administration of the churches to post-apostolic, bishop-led oversight of the churches. Diotrophes apparently was sympathetic to the new system, and in fact, was ambitious to be recognized as an authority in the church. In the previous verse John cited that he loved to be first among the elders. However, Diotrophes’ ambition had led him astray and exposed his true character. He had slandered John and the other apostles with wicked words. And if that were not enough, he closed the door to John’s emissaries and furthermore shut out anyone in the church who didn’t follow his example and policies. Today, we would say he censored everyone who didn’t agree with him. What would love do in such a situation? John had learned from Jesus to expose the evil deeds and false words of wolves in sheep’s clothing. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). So he promised Gaius that if he came, he would expose Diotrophes’ evil deeds. Sometimes as we live to love with Jesus, if we are in positions of authority, we will have to call attention to the destructive words and examples of false prophets or fellow brothers in Christ who have been led astray by them. Apparently, Gaius did not have jurisdiction over Diotrophes, or he would have recommended that he exercise that shepherding task. This reminds us that just because we see someone doing wrong that unless we have jurisdiction, it is not our responsibility to publicly denounce or correct them. John obviously believed he had the jurisdiction to speak to Diotrophes and to the church. He had written him to no avail, so he contemplated his responsibility to the churches and his little children. Let’s remember that this letter wasn’t to the church, but to Gaius, an individual. John wasn’t publicly judging Diotrophes. We are observing how leaders should or should not confronting problems. As we live to love with Jesus, let us remember to recognize who has jurisidiction, speak out to expose evil deeds if we have a shepherding responsibility, and be careful that our words and actions are not driven by self-ambition or jealousy.