“Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.”- 3 John 1:12 New Living Translation
In this verse John speaks of truth. Why is truth so important? Truth is linked to trust. Truth should be spoken at all times. Truth should be the root of our integrity. Without truth there can be no trust, because you will never place your trust in someone who doesn’t speak the truth. This all leads to the moral fact that one’s integrity is severely compromised when they have lost the trust of others.
Word of mouth promotion is important, although it ought not be sought. The verse above lifts Demetrius up based on his being a morally and ethically sound Christian man. Those that know him vouch for his integrity. John claims to know this as a fact and backs this up by saying that it is known that John and his group speak the truth. In other words, his reputation should have preceded him.
You cannot place a value on your integrity because it is an attribute of God, which makes it priceless in value. Too many people don’t realize the value of their own integrity and end up selling it out like Esau did with his birthright. (Genesis 25:29-34). This is serious business. We are never to disregard or discard any gift from our Lord. The truth comes from God as written in the Holy Scriptures. Embrace the truth of his word, trust it, impart it to others … be like Demetrius and not Diotrephes. Learn to be humble and selfless. That is, in part, what being like Christ is all about.
We will conclude our study of John’s Epistles next time as we look the final words of his third correspondence. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.
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