A Builder! Not Wrecking Crew!

When some are given authority they seem to hold it over the heads of others or brandish it as a sword of power in controlling other's lives. Paul had been given Apostolic authority and was bold in proclaiming the truth and pointing out error, but he still maintained a spirit of love and gentleness toward others. Though some at Corinth seemed to question Paul's boldness, he made it clear he would be as bold as he needed to be in dealing with whatever needed to be dealt with. However, it was not in that spirit he desired to come. Therefore he wrote boldly so that he could come to them in a different spirit than that.

Paul expressed his desire where we read. . .
"For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of THE AUTHORITY THAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN ME FOR BUILDING UP and NOT FOR TEARING DOWN." ( 2 Corinthians 13:10 ESV)

Though we should always uphold the authority of God's Word and urge others to recognize that authority as well, have we ever been guilty of using the "sword of the Spirit (God's Word, Ephesians 6:17) to stab or slice and dice rather than "speaking the truth in love"? ( Ephesians 4:15) Have we become so intent on making a point that we have missed the mark in guiding others toward a better understanding of the truth? Like Paul, may we seek to be BUILDERS rather than part of a wrecking crew. Where the truth of God's Word is accepted, it will do its own demolishing of the arguments and opinions that stand against it. (note 2 Corinthians 10:5) Therefore, let us keep practicing the Word as we speak it in love to help others BUILD their lives on the foundation of Jesus.

Have a great day HELPING OTHERS BUILD ON THE BEST FOUNDATION!
Carl

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