I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 3 John 1:9 KJV
It is always good to be able to give our suggestions to those in charge.
One should never feel that what they say does not matter.
All of us have ideas that can be of value to all involved.
It should be everyone’s desire to work together to get the job done.
Unfortunately, there are some who feel differently.
They feel that since they are in a leadership position, only their ideas mean something.
That the knowledge they possess is greater than those around them.
That the individuals in their group can only do as instructed and nothing more.
Because of the leader’s unwillingness to listen, it has an impact on how things get done.
No one wants to be under someone who does not feel their input has value.
We must take pride and the need to be in the spotlight out of the picture.
Remembering that there is a proper way to do things.
Knowing we all have something to give.
We read about such a person in John’s third letter regarding a man named Diotrephes (3 John 1:1-14).
Diotrephes was very ambitious and wanted to have control over everything.
His temper and spirit were ones full of pride.
The Apostle John tried to present him with information that would aid the church, but he would not accept it.
He refused to listen.
He set himself up as the only one to have a say over those in his spiritual care (3 John 1:9).
He considered anything he desired to do was to be first.
Anyone who disagreed with what he was saying was removed from the congregation.
It was to be his way or no way.
Like Diotrephes, the desire for power can come from pride and selfishness.
We are not to be like him.
It is good to know that we have a Spiritual Leader who listens and cares.
We are to follow the leadership guidelines that God has set before us.
God is in control of all things.
As with any leader, He will make the final decision regarding our lives.
But He does not prevent us from coming to Him with what we feel might be better.
He listens and lets us know what we can or cannot do.
What would be the best things concerning our lives.
The Lord is a prime example that God is a leader who has an open-door policy.
The Lord was One who served in humility and obedience to God (Philippians 2:8).
He knew what it meant to desire to do something a certain way.
He went to the Father with His suggestions and desires.
The Father did not turn Him away but listened to all that He had to say.
He would respond in a manner that showed He was listening to what was said.
It is wise for anyone in a leadership position to listen to others.
Not to be proud and glorify themselves.
When we make these mistakes, the church will suffer the loss of saints.
They will lose those that God has called to serve and complete the missions at hand.
For us to make any changes in the world, we must make a joint effort to accomplish our goals.
We are to make sure that everything we do is biblically based.
The things man tries to put in place is always changing, but the Word of God always remains the same.
That it is Christ-centered.
The Savior has more experience regarding anything we will face in life.
We can’t go wrong when we consult with Him on things we are trying to accomplish.
But most of all, what we do is to glorify God.
He is the One who has given us the ability to do all things.
We should never forget to give Him thanks for all He has done.
Let us never forget that great leaders listen and give positive feedback.
Not to be the one that only sees things one way.
It leads to things ending badly.
God’s way is the only way to accomplish our goals in life.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we are thankful that You saw our ability to lead. Let us not be like someone who takes it for granted. But be the one that listens and allows others to aid in completing the tasks set before us. The world needs to see that the leadership in churches and the Word is full of faith and truth. We want to lead as You lead.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen