The Con and his Conflict
Proverbs 16:28
Our thoughts,
The word "froward" is an interesting study. It reveals the actions and motives of the heart. It describes itself as "behaviors that disrupt social harmony and spiritual fidelity." It is deceitful and fraudulent, crooked, and unrighteous.
The word "gossip" is also an interesting study, revealing much insight into the character of evil workers. The Bible describes it as "talebearers and slanderers, to murmur or whisper." It describes someone who "whispers maliciously, often causing division and strife within a community." It can be that gossip will utilize false witnesses, lies, and the truth for its selfish agenda.
The word "strife" refers to a malicious dispute involving multiple disagreements. It is a continuous practice of discord that goes against spiritual harmony. It holds unrighteous judgments and fills itself with condemnation. Those swallowed by its corrupted intent find themselves hateful bowls of putrid bitterness towards the innocent.
Such is the description and character of a Diotrephic spirit, a quarrelsome man filled with discord. He has cultivated a craft that spans a career of strife. Everything he touches becomes a colossal failure, driven by bitterness, pride, greed, and heavy-handed control. He always has a "book, chapter, verse" for his justification and constantly provokes his brethren to sin; being argumentative is his nature; he is giddy about the fights he creates. But in his mind, he convinces himself that he is faithful and righteous, and those he devours consider him a "sound gospel preacher." He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He is the divisive man Paul told us to avoid at all costs.
Pharisaicle kinds will infiltrate your life through flattery and intimidation, and they will utilize the Scriptures interpreted to their selfish desires to manipulate you into submission. Once they have taken advantage of you, they will remove you from the hands of their recruited cabal. These men have split many churches, families, friendships, and marriages. Evil workers bring profound grief to all their victims. They seek preeminence behind the pulpit. And sadly, some brethren cannot discern the threat and damage.
And though deceivers like to control the narrative and tell "their side of the story" to the congregation first, humble souls seeking to hear the account from the falsely accused find the truth., for "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him."
Dear friends, with Christ, for all humility and faithfulness, we remain transparent and honest, doing the work of an evangelist, serving all the souls His Majesty brings to the fold. We focus on our heavenly goal, loving one another as innocent children. We fellowship with one another; we find joy in sharing time and faith. We shepherd the flock in unity towards spiritual health and growth. We remain aware of devils and make sure they never again contaminate our Lord's local assembly.
We thank God for rescuing us from the hands of froward gossips who bring nothing but strife. We find eternal peace within the inspired Words of charity. We practice benevolence and hospitality and build up, encourage, edify, and challenge our fellow man. We are the complete opposite of Diotrephes and his loyalists. We follow Jesus, and devils follow their father, Satan (Jn. 8:44).
Take comfort and have courage; you have survived the attack; you are stronger for His Kingship's will, producing fruits of heavenly wealth.
Your servant,