Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 10:7-11
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
2 Corinthians 10:8 (NKJV) For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed--
Authority is given by God for a purpose. The purpose of authority is always for the building up of the one under authority. It is never to be used to their harm.
The question then to ask continually about a particular place of authority is, “Are others being built up?” The question is NOT, “Am I (the one in authority) being served?” That is not the reason God has given you authority.
Authority that builds up is God’s kind of authority. Authority that builds up teaches, protects, corrects, encourages, invests, instills hope and self-confidence. Authority that builds up creates other leaders.
Authority that tears down ridicules, belittles, demands, pushes, uses, is unfeeling, instills fear, hopelessness and self-doubt. Authority that tears down doesn’t allow others to rise to leadership.
Like most God-given gifts, authority is given not for the benefit of the one who receives it, but for the benefit of others. An abuse of leadership is to use it for your own gain.
Those who are given authority will give an account to God.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Sovereign Lord, all authority comes from You. I am grateful for the edifying leaders You have put in my life. Give me wisdom to be an edifying leader for others. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 10:12-18
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