Be A Pillar | Features

I was speaking to a friend on the phone and began to prophecy to her. As I listened to the words that came out of my mouth I found myself learning about the ministry of being a pillar – the following comes out of what I heard.

There is an old phrase often used about the loyal core in any church, the people that bear the weight of ministry and are dependable that they are 'pillars in the church'. That definition is really lifted from Galatians 2:9 which says:

James, Cephas, and John, recognized as pillars

In building terms a pillar is defined as "a column supporting the weight of a building."

Pillars in the Temple Solomon built God a temple. The scripture tells us that:

Then he set up the pillars in front of the sanctuary, one on the right and one on the left. He named the one on the right Jachin and the one on the left Boaz. 2 Chron 3:17 HCSB

Jachin means "He will establish" & Boaz means "Strength is in him".

It would seem that wise King Solomon saw the value of pillars in God's house and recognized them by naming them. Their names described their function and recognized their usefulness.

Today we know that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost but also that the Church, or body of Christ is also the temple.

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you (plural) are that temple. 1 Cor 3:16-17 NIV

Those who give the strength and establishment to the relationships that make up the church have a special honour – it is a great ministry.

There is biblical precedent for understanding that if you can bring down the pillars you bring down the temple! (Judges 16:29-30) We should honour and look after the pillars!

Pillars are Immoveable Consistency will give you influence. The fast moving , exciting, platform ministries of the church are eye catching, but the ministry of the pillar is one of consistency. We think the eye-catching ones are more important but nothing could be further from the truth. People come and go, but pillars stay and bring a sense of coherence and confidence to the church. As people zig-zag and move around, pillars stand out – they stay and their lack of movement is vital!

One of the greatest dangers that Christians face today is the tendency to not prioritise fellowship. Long before I was a Pastor, I found that the thought of missing fellowship was too much! I wanted to be where God was blessing and around God's people. Assorted organs in pickle jars do not make a body. An interconnected group of parts makes the whole. The body of Jesus Christ (the church) is a relational group.

Now there are many parts, yet one body... Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. 28 And God has placed these in the church: 1 Cor 12:20,27-28 HCSB

Pillars Support The ceiling is held up by pillars – these people are structural in the house of God. These are not people who physically keep the roof on the building, these are those who bring structural integrity to the body of Christ. Pillars are structural like the Greek word for edify or build-up is a structural "brick-laying" term.

So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. 20 Do not tear down God's work Rom 14:19-20 HCSB So also you—since you are zealous in matters of the spirit, seek to excel in building up the church. 1 Cor 14:12 HCSB

Pillars Protect Stopping the ceiling falling down is vital when vulnerable people are nearby – steady support in the church is a protective ministry for those coming alongside you. Your supporting ministry prevents catastrophe in the lives of others.

Being constant and dependable for others comes out of a servant-heart and the fruits of the Holy Spirit – patient endurance and self control.

My friend's throwaway line when I told her that she was a pillar was simply this: I don't mind being a pillar but thank God he is building the church – I wouldn't want the job! It reminded me that we are not building the church – I wouldn't want the job either – because I couldn't do it. This is where Jesus is so wonderful, He says:

I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. Matt 16:18 HCSB

Are you a pillar? Only the onset of a measure of maturity and consistency in your life will designate you a pillar – you need to overcome your own circumstances and live a life that is a testimony of God's grace. Jesus promises that:

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. Rev 3:12-13 NIV

Just as Solomon names the pillars in the first temple, Jesus will name those in the heavenly kingdom.

Be a pillar in the church now and you will be named one for eternity.

I think that would be a great commendation.

I was once at a large Christian gathering where a brother was being honoured for being a pillar in the church and a load pop came through the PA system at the least appropriate moment leaving the congregation laughing. We had all heard that the brother was a 'pillock in the church' (dictionary defines as 'stupid person'). Because the 'pop' had not been heard on the platform the leader had no idea what we were laughing at!

The church does have a number of pillocks from time to time – much better to be a pillar!

...so I thanked God for my friend, I recognised her ministry and encouraged her in God.

If you are immoveable, exhibit the load bearing qualities and offer the protection of a pillar in the house of God, I am happy to commend you too.

But the best of all is that Jesus is happy to commend you and that must be the greatest honour – something worth aiming for.