SEARCHLIGHT
How can you avoid being a CINO – Christian In Name Only?
SCRIPTURE
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading, malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 3 John 9,10 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Sometimes Christians are the worst advertisement for inviting people to become a follower of Jesus Christ. They claim to be a Christian but do not exemplify Christ. Some put a Christian bumper sticker on their car while at the same time honk their horn for no important reason. Others speak about going to church while at the same time gossip about co-workers. Perhaps you did not become a believer and Christ-follower for a long time because you saw hypocrisy rather than authenticity. People claimed the title but did not have the character. I am so sorry that was your experience, and I am so thankful that you looked beyond that person and saw Jesus.
The Apostle John did not call Diotrephes a hypocrite, but he did plainly describe THE CHRISTIAN YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE. Just take a moment to reread today’s Scripture focus. Note the 4 characteristics of Diotrephes [Dio] that are very “unchristian.” They are so contrary to living a Christlike life. A Christ-follower shuns:
- Self-centeredness - Dio loved to be first. John clearly pointed that out. His life focus was on “me.” What a terrible character flaw. Pity his poor wife and family, if he was married. Unfortunately, he was a church leader. He was driven by his pride. Self-centeredness gave him his security rather than Jesus. Dio needed to be reminded that when Jesus spoke about being great, He told His disciples that, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [Mark 9:35 NIV]
- An independent spirit – Dio did not welcome John’s messengers. He rejected a previous letter from the Apostle. Unfortunately, he did not have a submissive or cooperative spirit. This church leader was not united with John or other ministers in working as a team to spread the Gospel. Dio needed to read Paul’s letter to the Philippians which states: “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” [Philippians 2:1-3 NIV]
- A slanderous, mean-spirited tongue – Dio gossiped and slandered. John minced no words by saying he spread “malicious nonsense about us.” When a person gossips, he or she shares information that is to be kept private and secret. When a person slanders, he or she shares rumors that ruin a person’s reputation. Dio needed to be reminded that Jesus said, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” [Matthew 12;36,37 NIV]
- A domineering, controlling manner – Dio refused to welcome any travelling missionaries and stopped other believers from extending hospitality to them. If believers in the church were hospitable, he threatened to “kick them out,” excommunicate them, or stop them from meeting with the other believers. Simply put, Dio got rid of anyone who challenged or opposed him. Unfortunately, he was a control freak. He needed to be reminded what Jesus taught about hospitality. Someday people will be judged regarding their outward expressions of love and kindness. Christ said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me….whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” [Matthew 25:35,36,40 NIV]
All 4 of the qualities mentioned are totally opposite to the character of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God-centered. He chose to please His heavenly Father. Jesus had a submissive spirit. Just before sacrificing His life on Calvary, Jesus prayed to God the Father, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” The words Jesus spoke were truthful, necessary, and kind. When Jesus called out the hypocritical religious leaders, He was expressing a tough love. And Jesus was never controlling. As He hung on the cross for your sin, Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to be rescued but instead He chose to redeem man from sin.
The Christian that Jesus Christ wants you to be is one who reflects Christlikeness. The story is told of a portrait that was hung at the sight of a battle. At the bottom, the inscription read: “James Butler Bonham—no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom.” [ Morgan, Sermons.com]
Why am I telling this story??? Because there is no picture of Jesus Christ that exists. The only Jesus that people see is the Jesus in you. Jesus has set you free from sin and also made you a complete person. That is Christlikeness. You are the hands, feet, arms, voice, and face of Jesus Christ. People see Jesus in who you are and what you do. Long to be like Jesus and look like Jesus.
Thank you for choosing to be the Christian Jesus Christ wants you to be!
SOMETHING TO DO
What can you do to become more Christlike?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, I bow my head and my heart in Your presence. I want to reflect Your character. I want to be more like you, Jesus. I want to be someone You can work through. May I remind people of who You are and what You have done for everyone. AMEN