Read Isaiah 18:1 through 20:6; 2 Corinthians 13:1–14
“Do you have a building permit for this?” The city official stood in the driveway with a clipboard.
Ted was nearly finished adding the room above his garage. “I need a building permit to add on to my own home?”
Ted should have checked with the city. At least, that’s what his wife told him. The permit would require the renovation to pass inspections. But now Ted might have to pay fines or, worse, redo work that did not meet building codes.
Cities require building permits to ensure that construction meets key safety standards. In a similar way, church leaders operate in God’s authority to make sure Christians build their lives according to God’s code.
This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down (2 Corinthians 13:10).
Take time today to evaluate your life and take any action needed to bring it up to code.
Thought for Today:
Would your life pass a building inspection from the apostle Paul?
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