What do others say about us? Do they like us, hate us, want to be around us, or avoid us at all cost? A person's reputation can lead to advantage or disadvantage, so most people regard others estimate of them valuable. In today's verse we learn of the reputation of Gaius to whom John the apostle is writing, and through John's words we learn what was esteemed valuable enough to make John rejoice. He wrote in Third John verse three:
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walked in the truth.
Notice first, John's demeanor and reason for writing, “For I rejoiced greatly”. What is it about others that makes us rejoice? Is it a phone call, a visit, a meal together, or a good report? What is it that makes others rejoice over us? Is there a cause for rejoicing or sadness when others hear about us? John not only rejoiced, but he rejoiced greatly over Gaius when others gave testimony of him.
Secondly, look at the reason for the great rejoicing, “when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you.” The truth was in Gaius. Others knew it. Do others know the truth is in us? As one person said, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” In other words, when others were around Gaius, they saw the evidence of the truth being in his life. They saw so much evidence that they wanted John to know. Perhaps we should examine our lives to determine if the life we are living is giving others the same testimony that lie in Gaius.
Thirdly, notice that Gaius, according to testimony, “walked in the truth.” It is one thing to talk the talk, but another thing to walk the walk. Many people talk about being a Christian, but their lives demonstrate any thing other than being a Christian. Their speech doesn't match, their activities do not match, their commitment to the church, Bible, or witnessing doesn't match. When we read the testimony of Gaius it should encourage us to ask ourselves, “Does what I say I am match who I really am, and if others were to testify about me, would their appraisal of me be the same as mine?”
Looking at today's verse we have seen John rejoicing greatly, brethren testifying of the truth in Gaius, walking in the truth, and we have been challenged in our own lives as to what others would witness about us. Maybe today should be a day of personal reflection so that our testimonies align with the truth in such a way that no one would be able to give any other testimony about us than that we walk with Jesus.
Next time we shall look at what John has to say about his greatest joy, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment