3 John 1:11 (NLT)
11 Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

John was writing to a friend, Gaius, who faithfully took care of traveling teachers passing through the area. These teachers did not accept money from those they were ministering to and therefore Gauis’s help was well appreciated. However, there was a leader in the church, Diotrephes, who opposed helping the traveling teachers. John wanted to make sure his negativity did not affect Gaius. John reminded Gaius actions prove out those who love God.

In 79 A.D. Mt. Vesuvius erupted destroying the city of Pompeii. Some people tried to flee from the city. Others tried to hide in buildings or underground areas, all of which soon became their burial site. No matter where they turned they were unable to escape their impending fate. Until it was excavated, the city lay preserved in ash for hundreds of years. Uncovered in the ash was a Roman sentinel standing at the city gate with his weapon still in hand. This soldier stood at his post, ground shaking and hot ashes falling; following the orders of his captain to remain steadfast. God calls us to remain steadfast in our faith. The sentinel proved by his actions that he was trustworthy and faithful; God wants the same from us. Are you committed to being a soldier of God? Are you willing to follow your leader Jesus Christ wherever he commands? Pray for steadfast faith to carry out God’s commands. Pray you would be found a faithful and trustworthy servant of God.