Topic: Not For Destruction [October 19, 2016]
Text: 2 Corinthians 10:1-11
Key Verse: "For though I
should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given
us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be
ashamed" (2 Corinthians 10:8).
Lord Acton was not wrong when he said: "Power corrupts, but absolute
power corrupts absolutely". In our society, we often see the reckless
use of power by those who are privileged to be vested with power to
serve the people. Instead of exercising the power for the benefits of
the common man who they are expected to serve and defend, they turn the
power to an object of oppression with which they victimize and oppress
the poor.
Paul consciously reminded himself and his congregation that the
authority the Lord has given him and his team was not for the
destruction of the people but for their edification. Even in the face of
obvious provocation by the people, ministers must not turn around to
use their authority to vex the people. Some people in the Corinthian
church had questioned the apostleship and authority of Paul which
necessitated his explanation in the text. But in proving his apostleship
and authority over them, he made it clear that it was for their own
edification. When ministers of God bear in mind the source of power they
possess, they will be careful not to misuse it. Paul was mindful of
this. He stated that their authority was given to them by God. They did
not scheme or lobby their way into power.
Those who get to a place of power through carnal scheming and worldly
politics will believe they earned the power, so would not care how they
use it. How do you use your God-given privilege and authority as a
husband, parent, pastor or a leader in the society. Are you so
power-drunk that you derive pleasure in oppressing people? Do you help
to build up, encourage and edify others with your power, or delight in
crushing people with it? People who are privileged to hold power,
especially among the people of God, must be conscious of the purpose of
holding it. They need to constantly remind themselves that such
privilege is not to destroy or victimize their flock but to edify them.
Thought for the day: An unbridled tongue is an open sepulcre.
Bible Reading in one Year: Isaiah 56-60
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is
the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church
situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
