It’s Monday, November 17th, 2025—just five weeks from Christmas. That’s a little terrifying. I really should start thinking about gifts for my kids and grandkids… all seventeen of them! St. Vincent de Paul, here I come. But the greatest gift of all won’t be found on any shelf, and it won’t cost you a cent. Read on …
Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 7,8,9,10
Scripture
“… 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.” (2 Corinthians 10:8)
Observation
Paul was a man entrusted with great authority, and he handled it with care. Through genuine friendship, sacrificial love, and day-after-day consistency, he built an enormous reservoir of relational equity. He knew this influence wasn’t for personal comfort—it was a spiritual gift designed for one purpose: to build up.
When someone was on the edge of quitting, Paul showed up to strengthen them. When a brother was slipping, he used his authority to redirect and rescue. His leadership never pushed people down—it lifted them up.
Yes, there were moments when he reminded the church of the authority he carried, but never for manipulation and never for ego. It was always to steady the unsteady, straighten the crooked path, and give others a leg up so they could keep moving toward Christ.
Application
Authority is a gift… when you steward it well—when it’s used to help others succeed—God gladly expands it. Influence grows where trust grows. Doors open when people sense you are for them, not using them. And a grace-filled atmosphere settles over homes and churches where authority is exercised like Jesus exercised His: gently, courageously, and always for the other person’s good.
His authority not only gave bold permission to grow and advance, but it also gave each person the strength to fulfill what they felt inadequate to do. Authority isn’t passive. It’s not a badge you polish or a title you display. It’s something you give away—consistently, intentionally, sacrificially.
If I carry authority in my home, my wife should shine. She should feel safe, strengthened, and able to reach her highest potential. Everywhere Jesus walked, peace followed. Maybe that’s what people meant when they said Daniel carried “an excellent spirit.”
Prayer
Father, Lord, give me that mantle today. I don’t ask for easy comforts or smooth sailing. I ask for a fresh season of godly authority—an authority that serves, strengthens, and lifts others higher. Help me steward what You’ve entrusted to me so that everyone I meet today is just a little closer to You because of it.
–Wayne Cordeiro
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