3 John 1:1-11
In 3 John 1, John is commending Gaius for his righteousness and comparing to another unrighteous servant, Diotrephes.
John says that Gaius's actions are for Christ's names sake and he is a faithful servant unto the children of God.
In contrast however Diotrephes it says loves to rule in unrighteous dominion. He puts himself above those whom he leads and doesn't follow the commandments of the Lord.
It's important to be worthy of the commendation John is giving Gaius and not put ourselves above others. By becoming so proud in our ways we are slow to harken unto the Lord.
If we do this we will become unrighteous leaders and members of society, and not be walking in the truth.
We are taught that when we don't walk in the truth and we cut the thread that binds us to the prophet of the Lord we are bringing destruction upon ourselves and consequently leading ourselves to hell. Criticizing the leaders of the church is a result of spiritual sickness and will eventually lead them to spiritual death. President Harold B. Lee taught that if people were trying to drag the leaders of the church down, they would bring more hurt upon themselves than those they were trying to do ill.
Both Gaius and Diotrephes are in a position to be great examples. If they don't live up to their potential and are not the leaders they could be, they will lose credit with the people they are serving.
In Alma 39:11 it tells us that when the people saw their actions they couldn't believe their words. So they do have the power to influence and lead their followers for good and to determine their actions, or they have the choice to lead righteously and lose the love of their followers.
