". . .But Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. . .gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church" (3 John 9,10).

There are awkward men in the Church; men who, if they have any grace at all, have so much of the devil in them still that their grace has but little control over them. Good men should resist such persons. It may be very pleasant to talk of dealing with them in a spirit of charity, and being gentle with them, and forbearing and kind. Up to a certain point this is perfectly right. There is a work which compassion has to do; there is a sphere in which pity may be called into active exercise; at the same time, we are to mark those who cause divisions and offenses, and to avoid them; and there is a certain class of men on whom pity has no effect, and compassion is lost; and the only thing which can be done is to `deliver them over unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme'" (Dr. Joseph Parker).

Ambition is tragic if it leads to destroying the peace and progress of any undertaking, whether of church, home or business. Diotrephes loved and wanted to exercise power; never mind that it hindered what Paul tried to do for God's church. Not content with his own feelings on the matter, Diotrephes "stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church."

Lucifer had a problem with power, too, and it was his downfall, along with those who decided to follow him. Diotrephes said in his heart, "I will make myself like the Most High," (Isaiah 14:13). God eventually takes care of the power-hungry!