I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first,
does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 3 John 9-10
Lord Jesus, what a tragic way to be experienced and remembered by others: “Diotrephes, who loves to be first...” To the extent the same is true of us, forgive and free us.
In our families: Forgive and free us for the ways we’re more bothered by things that annoy and disappoint us, than we’re committed to loving and serving those with whom we live. Help us see and grieve the ways, like Diotrephes, we want to be coddled and celebrated, served and honored. May our families experience us as foot-washers, more than resident critics.
In our friendships: Forgive and free us, Jesus, when our obsession to be included and appreciated, is more pronounced than our commitment to pray, pursue, and care for our friends. Help us be the kind of friend you are to us, Jesus.
At work: Help us see and grieve the ways we’re more defined by our place in the org chart than by who we are in Christ. Among our co-workers, may we emit the aroma of grace and servanthood, more than the pungent smell of selfishness and competition.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on us. You didn’t consider your equality with God something to be held onto for personal gain. You never chose to be first. Rather, you emptied yourself to become the quintessential Servant—serving us by your life, death, and resurrection (Phil. 2:1-11). Now, you ever live to serve us as our Advocate and Intercessor, Lord and Bridegroom.
Your unimaginable humility, unparalleled servanthood, and immeasurable love convict us to the core, Jesus. Restore our first love, first joy, and first humility. May our “me-first-ness” get trumped by a greater Christ-like-ness. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and matchless name.