Reading through 2 Corinthians this morning put to light a truth…

The Lord has given parents authority over their children for edification and not for destruction.

As parents, we have been given privilege, influence, jurisdiction, and power of choice. We must wield this power well, carefully with a right motive and the correct spirit.

I like that the Greek meanings of edification and destruction are simply put: building up vs. pulling down.

The concordance goes on to define edification as promoting another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, and holiness.

Today, as we parent, let us first step into our place of authority for our children. Then, let us do so from a humble position that fears God.  May we continually examine the spirit in which we use our God-given authority and ask:  Is the fruit of our interactions building up our children or pulling them down?

2 Corinthians 10:8  For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed–

2 Corinthians 13:10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.