Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 13:10 (second half) (NIV)

This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority — the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

I had read something several years ago that the ultimate power is the power to influence others. The key to this power was that everyone has it. We all have the power to influence others.

I believe that to be true, but I sometimes forget it. There have been times in my life where I influenced other people. There have been many times in my life where I felt powerless and sat back and did nothing. I truly was powerless in those situations and my actions proved it.

Now here is the apostle Paul speaking about the authority that God has given him. When I think of authority, I think of “positional power” as in, “I have been appointed the boss, so you have to do what I say. I have power and authority.”

Paul, however, is not talking about that kind of authority. Instead, he is talking about the “authority for building up.” I think that is the authority to encourage others, to teach others, to equip others for works of loving service. Is that authority? Is that power?

Now I go back to the power to influence others. God gave Paul the authority to encourage the Corinthians. He didn’t give Paul the authority to “be their boss.”

Has God given me the authority to build up? Will anyone fight me if I try to build up their spirits? Will anyone fight me if I try to encourage or equip them? Maybe some people will fight me. I am guessing, however, that most people will not. I am guessing that if I act in the love of Christ, people will accept my authority to build up.