“Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true”(3 John 1:12).
TEXT — 3 John 1:12-14
Message
One of the most effective ways of inculcating values, especially in young people, is to demonstrate such values in vivid and practical examples. The lack of worthy examples that can be emulated by young people is the bane of our society. If we must build a strong, viable society, we must develop a sound value system and demonstrate the same in a very consistent and intentional manner for others, especially the young, to see.
Demetrius was commended by Apostle John in our text because he led an exemplary life worthy of emulation. He was said to have a good report of all men, both inside and outside the church. He did not only profess the truth but demonstrated it by his lifestyle.
Nothing bears testimony to our transformed life and our professed faith in Christ more than our exemplary lifestyle. This must not only be testified to by members of our immediate family and those who know us closely in the church. The strangers we meet each day, as well as our neighbours and associates in the place of work and business, must bear a record of this truth.
It is not enough to have close church members commend our character. But when comments from people outside the faith agree with the testimonies of believers about an individual, then he has lived an exemplary life. Epitaphs on gravestones are not enough to convince the world that you lived a good life, but your deeds of love, are forever engraved in the hearts of people.
They serve as an enduring reminder of your Christlike character. The question is, what message do people get from your lifestyle?
Thought for the day
Your life is a Bible to the world; what version is it?
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
