(The mic drop)

"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but imitate what is good. Whoever does what is good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God."

(3 John 11)

You know the old question in religious circles that centers around ifs someone is a good person, but never had the chance to hear about Jesus, would God welcome them into heaven? Usually the question pops up around the gospel of John, with the "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" passage. And the debate rages about "accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior."

Despite the fact that nowhere in Scripture does God command or instruct us that we must accept Jesus as our personal Lord & Savior (though it does speak a lot about belief in Christ as our Savior!)... this passage from 3 John is quite revealing. How we live is just as important as what we believe. The early Methodists put it this way: Do good. Avoid evil. Stay in love with God.

The author of 3 John was comparing people in the house church Gaius was a part of (to whom the letter was written). Diotrephes ("who likes to put himself first," said the author) did not practice hospitality and welcome of visitors. In fact, he scolded those in the church who did that! The author encourages them to do good, instead. To be warm, open, and welcoming. "Whoever does good is from God."

So back to our remote village in some jungle somewhere, who's never heard the name of Jesus. If s/he does good - God is present. End of debate. (drops the mic)