Why did God give me authority?

Many will object to the premise of this question and say, "I don't have much authority or power." While that statement may be correct, it also recognizes that we do wield and have at least some authority. No matter how minimal we feel our authority and power are, the question stands as originally stated. "Why did God give me authority?"

In 2 Cor. 13.10 Paul tells the Corinthians how he does not want to have to be harsh or use sharpness when he comes to them in reference to the power or authority he has. And then Paul, or God through Paul reveals why Paul has the power or authority he has. God gave Paul power or authority to build up or edify the Corinthians. It would seem logical, since this reason behind Paul's authority is given, that the negative reason for Paul having his authority for tearing down the Corinthians would be eliminated simply by implication. God does not allow for speculation in this area to be wrong or right. God spells it out specifically why Paul possesses the power or authority he has as well as the reason that is not behind God's motive for giving Paul authority. "...the authority God gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." KJV uses the word power instead of authority.

Why did God give Paul authority? God gave Paul authority to enable him to build others up.

What was not the reason God gave Paul authority? God did not give Paul authority to enable him to tear others down.

I believe that each of us have been given the power, authority, resources and influence that we have for the same reason God gave authority to Paul; to enable us to build up other people and not for tearing people down. When I use my authority to tear others down I believe it is a perverted use of God-given authority.