September 26, 2009
Larry R Evans
[There will be no additional Class Notes this week.]
Reflective Introduction
A “power struggle” is true to its name. It is a conflict that is often not about the topic being discussed, argued or debated. Personalities, egos and positions of those in disagreement can easily cloud the issue being addressed. Stephen Covey’s maxim to “seek first to understand then be understood” is right on but difficult to practice in a power struggle. It is difficult because the focus is intensely about being right, maintaining one’s position or keeping others “in their place.” We sometimes call this “turf protection” and “turf” can take many different forms. There are different reasons people struggle for power but the results are often the same. The work of the organization, be it secular or sacred, is hindered.
In his third letter John speaks of an issue that is hindering the growth and health of the church. Diotrephes (3Jn. 9) “loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us” expresses the sad reality of the ambition of one person and the impact it can have on an organization. We would wish that such attitudes do not exist in the Church but they do. It’s one thing to say they shouldn’t exist but it is another to know what to do when caught in one. In such situations it is important not to become so locked into ourselves, our solutions and our view points. The words of Jesus provide a framework as we begin study for this week:
Mar 10:42-45 Jesus got them together to settle things down. "You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around," he said, "and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served--and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage." (Message)
Reflective Quiz
1. “Tough love” in the work place means that we must protect our own turf. [3Jn 1-4, 13-15] True or False?
2. Genuine hospitality to strangers was unknown in John’s day because of the wide spread corruption. [3Jn. 5-8] True or False?
3. Hospitality is often the glue that keeps one faithful to the Church and to the Truth. [3Jn. 5-8] True or False?
4. Leaders should seek to be last. [Mk. 9:35; 3Jn. 9,10] True or False?
5. John is concerned about those who slander Church leaders. [3Jn. 9,10] True or False?
6. Not all who have “power” have an evil influence. [3Jn 12] True or False?
7. Personal ambition, theology, governance can all divide or build a local church. [3 Jn. 9,10; Mk. 10:42-44; 1Tim. 4:14] True or False?
Comments
Your question said, John is concerned about those who slander Church leaders. [3Jn. 9,10] True or False?
By definition, slander is bad, regardless of whom we do it to.
But how do we deal with leaders who do wrong and who are unwilling to give you an appointment to discuss it?
We know that Ellen White did not slander leaders, but she had some things to say that we tend to forget, (5T 211).
Thank you for your response. The questions are written for discussion and are not necessarily leading to a specific conclusion without further discussion.
Yes, leaders do make mistakes and unfortunately I've made them! Let's not get hung up with the word "slander" though it did do its work by getting you to think about the issue at hand. The Bible is clear about the issues 3 John is raising in verses 9,10 which is the point of the question. In our age those who disagree with leaders seem to feel free to undermine their leadership with negativity but even David when he was right about concerns he had with Saul and the course he was pursuing refused to harm "the Lord's anointed." (1 Sam. 24:6) Other examples include Aaron and Miriam (Num.12), Korah (Num. 16) and Absalom (2 Sam. 16-18) to name a few. This isn't to say that leaders should never be corrected. We do have examples of that too. But there is a basic principle found in Matt. 18 that shows how wrongs are to be corrected. Broadcasting accusations is not the way to change and to do so raises questions about the Lord's displeasure as seen in the cases above. As far as appointments go it would depend on the situation involved. We do know that there will always be those who would distract leaders from their appointed work (The story of Nehemiah comes to mind). We must also keep in mind that when we have done our best we need to realize that the Church is the Lord's and He will intervene when He feels it is necessary. After all Daniel 2 reminds us that sets up and takes down rulers/leaders. --LRE