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Not For Destruction

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DCLM Daily Manna October 19th, 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

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