Thursday 23rd June - 2 Corinthians 10

Today’s chapter is 2 Corinthians 10, you can read it here

Tom writes:

We all have a sphere of influence given to us by God. Some of us will - like Paul - want to see that sphere enlarged. And that is a good thing. Hmm. That’s already got me thinking... But the main thing Paul talks about in this chapter is how he treats those already under his sphere of influence. Parents and grandparents; take note. Teachers, managers and leaders; take note. This chapter lays out for you how God wants you to act towards those under your care. If Paul’s missionary journeys had taken him to Rwanda, he would have talked about gorillas. God has made him - and you and I - like spiritual gorillas. We are stacked. We carry immense bulk in the heavenlies. The power in us and given to us could be staggeringly destructive or astonishingly constructive. I just don’t think I’ve engaged sufficiently with this idea. To my shame I realise that I’ve continually underplayed the authority Jesus has given me. I’ve been like a gorilla asserting I’m a lemur. Let’s not do that any more. Instead let’s go and be a gorilla in our jobs, our homes and our communities. But - and this is a silverback-sized “but” - let’s do it with gentleness. Let’s do it to build up not to tear down. Let’s do it not as the world does it but with the meekness of Jesus.

Let’s protect the field assigned to us by speaking up when we spot bad thinking. If you see someone believing wrong things or making stupid decisions, don’t just mutter to yourself. Don’t presume you must be seeing it wrong or have insufficient insight. Instead, in love and utter gentleness, step into the situation. Use your heavenly bulk. Trust in the wisdom God has given you. Prayer is massive in this regard. Soak your protective work over others in prayer. When appropriate, step into the situation and gently raise your concern. Even better, when you can, suggest that you pray together. Then stretch out your hand and invite the Spirit to move. Words of prayer were how Jesus exerted so much of his authority. When you fall to your knees or lay a hand on a friend your feeble arm becomes like a gorilla’s fist. It has astonishing power to build people up and to set them free. 

Question for reflection

How much of your God-given authority will you use to build up others today?