2 Corinthians 10.7-11

⁷ You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. ⁸ So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. ⁹ I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. ¹⁰¹¹ Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."


Authority is a valuable commodity. Many seek to gain it and become leaders, and those who do achieve it feel its heavy burden, for better or worse. Within the church at Corinth were those who questioned Paul’s authority as an apostle. They questioned his right to collect funds from them to help those in Jerusalem suffering from a famine. They mocked his short stature and unimpressive appearance. They took offense at his forceful letters. They did not accept his authority over them. Paul seeks to expose and refute their foolishness. He says that it is the way of the world to be concerned with such things, not the way of God. He points out that he has used his authority to build his charges up and encourage them rather than to criticize them and tear them down (as these would-be leaders are trying to do to him). He also explains that we he is with the people, he leads by example, using deeds more than words. However, when he is too far away for the people to see his deeds, he uses his words to encourage them and spur them on and to reprimand them when they need it. He implies that this is the proper way for a leader to use his authority.

CCF encourages college students to become leaders in the faith community. When given authority, how do we use it? Do we build others up or tear them down? Do we lead by example? Are our words forceful and profitable to the community? Also, do we respect our leaders? Consider your thoughts and actions concerning your thoughts and actions toward authority. Ask God to lead you to the correct attitudes and practices.