Run as One

2 John 9-11 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.
 
JOHN continues to warn about rejecting Jesus’ teachings. One way that unbelievers minimize and mock Christians – and Jesus Christ – is to say, “Christians don’t think for themselves. They are told what to believe. We know better. Our thinking is more advanced. Listen to our deeper thoughts.”
    But John dismisses such unbelief with a warning to anyone who runs ahead. People who claim to be advanced in their thinking are, in truth, out of step with the gospel. They devise their own theologies to explain Jesus. Their philosophies seem to sprint ahead of the faithful walking with Jesus.
    But we all know what happens to the runner who runs fast early in the race. Soon his breath is gone; his legs grow week, and he falls behind. He finishes out of touch with the top runners.
    John warns the church to stay in step with the true gospel and to reject such people. Do not take him into your house. These are strong words for a culture that holds hospitality as necessary to all. John could be speaking of a family home or a church meeting in a home. In either case, welcoming the liar is becoming part of the lie. Yes, hospitality is a Christian spiritual gift. But it is not for the false teachers. You cannot host the Truth when the Lie is comfortable in your home. You must be frim to keep watch on your mind. Reject Satan, the Liar, from causing you to run out of step from Jesus.
    Yes, we must listen to people with love and gentleness. Our words to speak the gospel must be helpful and encouraging. Yet, we must also be firm to stop the deceivers. Luke 17:3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”  
    You have been gifted with the truth. Protect it. Keep it. Watch over it. Run with it.
   
Life Thought: Do you keep dirty clothes with the clean?