Might there not be a bit of Diotrephes in all of us? Look at yourself. Are you greedy for power? Do you speak out against those you don't like? Most important, are you making the sad mistake of automatically assuming that what is best for you personally is best for the church as a whole?

STORY

Pastor Crowell had only been in his new church for a few months and already was tearing his hair out.

His secretary, Marie, knew how the furniture should be arranged in the sanctuary and who should play the piano and the organ for church. She also knew who the best children's leaders were and the best meeting place for the young adults. But that was just the beginning. She told the pastor she was an interior decorator, even though only as a hobby, and showed her chosen colors for a badly needed paint job. She knew who should be hired to do the wiring that was needed in the church building and the best roofing company.

Pastor Crowell was happy at first for Marie to make these decisions. It was a huge relief for him not to have to worry about such matters. Then one Sunday afternoon Gene, the head elder, backed him into a corner of the hallway and said, "We can't have her making all the decisions about this church."

"I know," the pastor replied. "But most of her choices are good ones, don't you think?"

Gene shook his head slowly. "A war is building," he said. "The head deacon, the decorating committee, the maintenance director are furious. We have a huge power struggle here, and you're the only one who can stop it."

Pastor Crowell thought about this for several days. Marie was a good office worker. She organized the files and could find anything she'd filed away. She was never late to work and often stayed extra time without asking for pay. She wrote flawless reports and put together an error-free bulletin every week.

Finally he got his courage up. "Marie," he said, "you're taking on far too much responsibility for the church. I need a secretary, not a church manager."

Marie stared at him for several seconds. "Fine," she said. "Then you can find one." She picked up her purse and keys and left.

I wonder when these power struggle will end?