Day 330

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Scripture

November 25—2 Corinthians 10-13: The Gospel Minister

Observation

Paul's final words to the Corinthians are sprinkled with the personal pronoun "I" as he speaks about his distinguished ancestry and dedicated service. Paul draws repeatedly upon his authority as an apostle in order to deal effectively with the problems in Corinth. In strong terms he exhorts the rebellious to reform. As he concludes his epistle, Paul shares his hope that these exhortations will move the believers to right the wrongs so that his approaching visit can be a time of rejoicing and edification, not of rebuke and confrontation.

Application

On a leadership scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being an "assertive natural leader" and 1 being the proverbial "doormat" (one who allows himself to be walked over), how would you rate these people: Paul? Your pastor? Your father? Yourself? Jesus Christ during his earthly life?

Paul shares some important insights about leadership in today's study. Though physically a weak man who had suffered much for the sake of the gospel, Paul as Christ's servant would not put up with sin and disobedience among his spiritual children. Like an upset father, Paul sternly exhorted, rebuked and pled with his errant children. His great love demanded that he act decisively.

How about your own style of leadership? Do you have an accurate self-image of your worth and authority in Christ? Do you know how to lead by practice as well as precept, showing that what you do is consistent with what you say? Remember Christ's words to his disciples: "To be the greatest, be a servant" (Matthew 23:11). Pick a leadership trait from Paul's life as illustrated in today's reading, and map out a strategy to model that in one of your leadership tasks today at your home, school, office or dorm.

Prayer

Almighty God, our prayer to you today is for increased faith and perseverance in prayer, we want to bring glory to you through our life. Every day we see the majesty and power of you in your Creation which is the basis of our faith helping us in our prayers. This in turn puts our minds on you personally knowing your infinite glory and power that we are able to meditate on. We have the power of prayer on our side because of our faith that you will answer our prayers and you will include us in your greater plan for eternity. Thank you in Jesus' name! Amen! 

The Majesty of God



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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