(NASB) 2 Corinthians 13:10 “For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.”

God-given authority builds up faith in the living God.
God-given authority does not tear down or destroy another’s faith in God.

God-given authority does not back down from speaking God’s truth in love.
Straight-forward words of God are needed and necessary.  Honesty is imperative.

Are you listening to God by studying His words in the Holy Bible?
Are you responding to God and His words by obeying what He says to do?

God-given authority cares for and has concern for, the followers of Christ to grow up!
Nit-picking and undermining Godly leaders is not growing.  It indicates stunted growth.  Immature responses to God and His teaching in the Holy Bible reveal just that – immaturity.

What are some of the things a Godly leader, as well as followers of Christ, are to do?         
1- All followers of Christ are to pray!
2- All followers of Christ are to speak truth in love and without backing down, no matter the accusations – use straight forward words of God’s truth.
3- All followers of Christ are to be obedient to God’s directions found in His word, the Holy Bible.

~ Take it to heart ~

  Jesus gives His authority to His followers.  What are we to be doing?
(NASB) Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”