Bible Verse of the Day Thursday February 8th, 2024

3 John 1:11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

Throughout life, we observe a wide range of examples.  There are many individuals who I recall from growing up with who set a model for me.  There was my mom and dad, who set a decent Christian illustration of how to live.  Some people beyond my family and numerous different Christians hugely affected my life.  I have served with many of these Christians during my ministry.  I heard their declaration of how God had completely changed them.  These Godly people came from all walks of life yet undeniably testified to living for God.  They showed that accomplishing something beneficial in this world, following the example of Jesus, was so significant.

John had recently finished writing about Diotrephes in the earlier verses.  He portrayed the life and declaration of Diotrephes.  Then John arrives at verse 11 and says, don't follow evil, but follow good.  He planned to follow the example that Diotrephes had set before them.  We have all seen both good and bad examples in our lives.  Regardless of what the model is or who set the model, our craving ought to be to do what is good.  Doing good is more complex when we live in a world of wrongdoing and evil.  This verse of scripture provides us with several challenges.  First, we ask that God assist us with walking in the path of his righteousness.  Then, we commit to following the good examples of the people who left a model for us.

The second is that we live in such a way that our lives leave an excellent example for others.  In all that we do, others are watching.  Might it be said that we are leading others toward God and His love, grace, and mercy, or will it be said of us that we are steering them off track?  Our longing ought to be to leave in our wake a good example, compelling others toward the good and away from the evil.  All Christians worldwide need encouragement and strength that only the Word of God can provide.  We should focus our Christian walk on helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ find encouragement, develop stronger relationships with God, and help the lost souls of this world come to accept Jesus Christ as Savior.