15 September: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:29
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work powerful deeds?
Devotion:
I was just reminded today how some leaders of some churches use (or abuse) these verses to promote church leaders as being above everybody else. This isn't just something in the church though, because it is endemic in society!
People abuse their titles to promote themselves above their positions and try o force others into doing things their way instead of for the good of the community / congregation or society!
I believe what the apostle is trying to advise is for people to try their best to attain higher positions in life but not to abuse the authority they think they have.
Jesus showed this to us by giving in to the authority of the land and the Jews even though he is our King of Kings! He did not abuse his position but used it wisely, with authority, to try and improve the position of others!
Points to ponder:
Do you go overboard with you own version of authority?
Or will you try to share righteous authority?