Read 2 Corinthians 10:7–11
Even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord
gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will
not be ashamed of it.
2 Corinthians 10:8
In my many years of ministry, I have never ceased to be amazed at how
some churches treat their pastors. If a man shows love and true humility,
they resist his leadership and break his heart. Our Lord was treated
the same way as the first pastor, so perhaps we should not be surprised.
The opponents in the church were accusing Paul of not being a
true apostle; for, if he were a true apostle, he would show it by using
his authority. But if Paul had thrown his weight around, they would
have found fault with him for doing so. This is what happens when
church members evaluate ministry from a worldly viewpoint.
How Christian leaders lead is an evidence of their spiritual maturity.
Immature leaders swell as they use their authority, but mature
leaders grow, and others grow with them. Wise pastors, like wise
parents, know when to wait in loving patience and when to act with
determined power. Mature pastors do not use authority to demand
respect, but to command respect. Mature leaders suffer while they
wait to act, while immature leaders act impetuously and make others
suffer.
Something to Ponder
When you are in authority, do you tend to command respect or
demand it? Explain.