DEVOTION ~ DO NOT IMITATE EVIL

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Theme: Do Not Imitate Evil 
Text: 3 John 1:9-12

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.



As dear beloved children in the Lord, we need to be like our Father by imitating the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any other character contrary to Christ's way of living is evil and this must not be mentioned among us. Diotrephes who happens to have influence among the brethren used it wrongly. Your position occupied must be used to do good not evil. If you fail to do good, do not influence others to do same. It is also important to reprimand evil people so as to deter others from doing same. 

Pride and envy can destroy easily anyone who falls prey to their claws. Remember, if you fail to gather with Christ, your family, congregation, neighbors and other groups you belong to, then you're scattering. Be generous towards the needy, welcome those who project the name of the Lord, avoid speaking deceitfully about people and do not give room for wickedness. Do not imitate evil in any way but rather, let good reign in you. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius demonstrated he has really seen God in his deeds unlike Diotrephes. 

Let the nature of Demetrius be your portion. Allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in your life. By so doing, truth will manifest in whatever you do and you will receive divine approval in all things. Do good to others and be the Christ the lost souls of this world will see to draw near the Throne Room of Mercy. Imitate good not evil.



Prayer: Dear God, You're good and holy, and have called me to be as such. Forgive me for the moments I abuse others in order to take their place in my family, church, community, workplace, and all the places I've taken up positions wrongly and unjustly. I pray for a change of heart and renewed mind in Christ Jesus to do good than imitating evil. May I use my influence in life to do good to the glory of Your Majestic name. This I pray in the Mighty name of Jesus the Christ. AMEN! 

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