PILLAR LIKE

BIBLE BITES

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PILLAR - LIKE

If someone was to label you spiritually - which of the following labels would be most accurate? Flimsy or sturdy. Weak or strong. Frail or robust. Spineless jelly-fish or backbone strength. A toothpick or a pillar.  There's a difference in being self-confident and arrogant about one's level of spirituality versus a humble appreciation of the power available through a Christ-focused life and a commitment to please Him. So the question is not meant to provoke you to a bold assertion that you are a Gibraltar-like believer. But really - when it comes to my faithfulness to Christ - am I more like a spineless jelly-fish than a spiny crustacean that's able to withstand attacks from predators?

The word pillar implies strength and support. Something strong enough to support a heavy weight; something able to survive a degree of turbulence. Often when other things fall, pillars remain standing.  They withstand the rigors and pressures from above, from the sides, and from below. Sturdy they are. While others topple, pillars remain standing. While others waver or start to lean precariously, pillars are there to catch them from falling further.

What kind of a believer do you want to be like? - a toothpick, always breaking or snapping; always toppling over in the slightest puff of wind or would you like to become pillar-like as a believer?

James, Peter (Cephas) and John had the reputation among other believers of being like pillars in the local church in Jerusalem.  A divisive issue came into the early Christian community threatening to wreck the fellowship of believers and to destroy the very foundation of the Gospel for the future generations. Sometimes there are very difficult and complex issues to be addressed. The Apostle Paul and others were at the center of this issue and it had to be worked through in the fear of God. It would not be an easy matter to settle because views were deeply entrenched - especially among those who were trying to carry their former religion into their new life in Christ.

As Paul explained the situation and the ramifications, as well as the doctrine at stake, he referred to three of his Christian brothers as pillars -

 ".and recognizing the grace that had been given to me,

James and Cephas and John,

who were reputed to be pillars,

gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship,

so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised."

Galatians 2:9

James, Peter and John did have unique roles to play in that early church. But there are believers today who are as solid and reliable as pillars. You can count on them to be still standing even when some things are crumbling or unravelling. As others worry and fret - like a pillar they are confident in God's ability.

The pillar itself is important but far more critical is the footing or the foundation upon which the pillar stands. When that foundation is Christ and His Word (1Corinthians 3:11), not the ideas or opinions of people, the pillar is likely to withstand much turbulence and weather many storms. Jude wrote about our personal responsibility to build up ourselves in our most holy faith. (Jude 1:20)

What efforts are you taking to become a stronger Christian - to become more pillar-like in Christian character?

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today,

Warmly in Christ,

Peter Ramsay