The apostle John wrote about a person who (1) loved “to put himself first,” (2) rebelled against those in “authority,” (3) used “malicious words” against others, and (4) would not “welcome” others as equals. Do you know anyone like that? Or, maybe I should ask, how many people do you know like that? Our world is full of them! But, here’s the kicker—that man of whom John wrote was in the church, and apparently held a leadership position in the church.
Immediately after the two-verse censure of that brother, John said to Gaius, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 9-11).
Friend, it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about someone in the church or someone at work or someone in your extended family. If someone is not behaving according to the standard of “good” set forth in the “Good Book” (see that list above of four ways evil can be exhibited), do not mimic them! Ever! For any reason!