The beauty of the scriptures is not only in discussing some special individuals whose life is both an example of good or bad. This actually makes it the best of all books. It x-ray the heroes and the villains in an unbiased way and that’s the reason why it is the best of all books. Character study has lent me the privilege of seeing this and hence the motivation to be doing that once in a while based on the insight granted by His spirit. In fact, the Bible does not silent in revealing the strength, weakness, success and failure of these men and women to its readers; knowing that they would be able to juxtaposed their lives with theirs. Oh! How I love to know, read, learn and study deeply these men who had gone ahead and gleaned from their ups and downs, as well as how some managed to enter the record of eternity. Such is the passion behind writing about this man called GAIUS. He was the first to be addressed by the writer of the third epistle of John. There were other characters (though, not of my focus yet in this piece) whom the author referenced but not as detailed as the focal point.

In picking upon his life, one must bear in mind the secret of his exemplary lifestyle and that is doing things according to the Truth. In other words, truth is the basis of his life.

Paul said,

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8

Gaius has the following in his life and it can be a yardstick for ours as well. These are:

*He was a well-beloved elder in the church. Hence, he was addressed as such. The word beloved was used again in addressing an highly rated personality in God such as Daniel

At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Daniel 9:23

*A coworkers with Apostle Paul. He was deeply involved in ministerial assignment among who paul was one.

*He was a man with testimony among brethren and even the unbelievers around could bear witness of his life in God. A source of joy to the righteous leaders. And he walked faithfully to both the brethren and the strangers.

• The saints are praying for him
• His soul prospereth
• His love in the church are attest of
• He provides for the brethren in their journey
• Helpers of the evangelist and gospel preachers to the gentiles.

Gaius curriculum vitae

Being an elder in the church was a common ground for all, yet,Gaius distinguished himself by being a well ‘beloved’ elder. The address in his CV was also the same with the one a man has in the land of Babylon as a captive of Judah by king Nebuchadnezzar. Even though he was in an idolatry country, a visit of an angel revealed that he was being addressed as “a well beloved”. It is generally believed that

The voice of man is the voice of God

Yoruba proverbs/sayings

In other words, what man sees and testifies about is a reflection of the testimony of heaven about any man. What does heaven speaks about me and you? Have you any identity in the realm if the spirit? Acts19:13-17

To Gaius, he had all saints praying for him because of his good deeds among them. He did the right addition and God multiplied him in grace and peace. 2 pet.1:1-8.

In short, he is an instrument for the advancement of the kingdom. By virtue of being in the church, he had the privilege to learn from two opposing side of leadership -Demetrius and Diotrephes. He cleaved to the former and discarded the latter.

THE TRUTH

Every believer must understand that the best underlying factor of our accurate description is THE TRUTH. Although, it is possible for a man to have the “True” and not the “TRUTH. Jesus said in John 14:6 thus

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6

Have you consider that Gaius was loved in the truth? He was a man that has the truth resident in him and people bear witness to this and he walked in the truth and become a fellow helpers of the truth.

What our generation need

With all being said and done, there is a need for our generation to produce men like Gaius across every platforms – Political, economic, social, religious, culture, etc. The absence of such men in our society is a great catastrophe because, Diotrephes will emerged fully and with strong dominance. It is time to arise oh ye hidden Gaius and if we do not have any yet, we have divine manual for making one today.

God bless you

#Maranatha