Daily Devotional for Monday, November 2
Paul’s Defense
2 Corinthians 10:1-13
“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.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes people have a problem with the work being done in a church no matter what it is? Let me say, first of all, that I cannot speak to this problem in the local church where I am a member. People should rejoice when others work, not complain. But the truth is some people will always find fault. If you start a work or take over a work, someone will likely have an issue with the way you are performing it. It seems he never wants to do the work himself though.
That issue is some of what Paul was contending with in the Corinthian church. The list of problems was long. There were false teachers. Many were questioning Paul’s authority as an apostle. You can almost sense the frustration Paul felt as he wrote this letter. It seemed that no matter what he did, someone complained about it. If he wrote a letter instead of coming in person, he was being timid. If he was too forceful, he was throwing his weight around; Paul could not win for losing.
Paul was very humble, yet he also had to establish his credentials from time to time. Jesus called Paul as an apostle, and now and then he had to assert that authority. Paul did that here, but reminded us that, unlike the false teachers, he used his authority to build up the church rather than tear it down. A person’s goals and desires can make it clear whom he is serving. Do you have influence in your church? Are you serving yourself or Jesus?
Just a Thought
If you have been blessed with influence in your local church, make sure it is a good influence.
Wally Fry