Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 10 (day seven)
For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. (2 Corinthians 10:8-9)
Scripture gives us a necessary reminder on authority. Paul was given a specific authority in the church by God. In Corinth that meant Paul started the church, helped them develop, and when necessary rebuked them. In this context that rebuke came in a harsh letter, but that word was never meant to tear them down in destruction. It was to build them up into something greater than themselves.
Any authority that we have from God is for building people up into a grand and holy people nearer to God. We should never use our authority and position to destroy people, but to point them to redemption. The goal is always grace.
Great points on authority. Great leaders build more leaders, not more followers, not tearing people down but building them up to something that is greater than they can think for themselves.