"The Vital Importance of Integrity to the life of the Christ Follower" (3 John 3-4)

If you were put on trial for being a Christ follower, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Our passage says, "For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." How encouraging is this passage! John tells us that the truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in that truth! Gaius had plenty of evidence! Let us understand that if the first had not been the case, the second could not have taken place! If the second could not be said of him, the first would have been only pretense, that of putting on an act! The Lord Jesus Christ wants every Christ follower to know and embrace the importance of integrity to our lives. Because Gaius' walk matched his talk, other Christ followers testified to it. His reputation for practicing what he believed was exemplary! This commendation of Gaius is one of the greatest found in the New Testament. The commendation is not only about him knowing God's truth, but that he faithfully practiced it! Gaius applied what he knew about God to his life and this caused him to become a person of integrity. God's truth must be applied or it is of no value. Bible truths that are not practiced are like bread that remains in the hand, which does not feed the body! It is of no value. It's simply not enough to act "Christian" without there being a corresponding spiritual maturity. Without the practicing of God's Word, we'll find ourselves vulnerable and exposed to the open spiritual warfare that comes to take advantage of us! Your move. Be encouraged!