“If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 3:15
Recently, as I was studying through 1 Timothy, I was struck by the Apostle Paul’s illustration of a pillar. Why a pillar? There’s no big theological concept behind the word; it doesn’t carry any special meaning. A pillar is, quite simply, a pillar. It has one job — to hold up whatever is on top of it. That is exactly what they are known for.
In the city of Ephesus (where Timothy was), there was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World — The Temple of Artemis. This temple was surrounded by over 100 pillars. People would travel near and far to visit this temple so they could worship this pagan goddess. Everyone knew about the temple.
What stood out to me is this. Paul uses the image of a pillar to remind Timothy of who he is and what he is to be known for. It’s as if Paul is saying, “Timothy, you know how those big, beautiful pillars are holding up that pagan temple down the street from you? You are an even more beautiful pillar, because you are holding up the truth of the Gospel.”
It is the same for us today. We are like pillars who are essential to holding up Jesus Christ. As the Church of the Living God, we have the great privilege of standing tall, elevating Jesus up high for all to see. Whether we are at church, at work, or in our own neighborhoods, our lives should be like solid pillars, holding up what we believe.
I encourage you to spend some time today reflecting on these questions: Is my life a living testimony to the grace of God? Do the people around me know Who I belong to? Am I a light in this world leading people to the mercy of Jesus? Am I a pillar who holds up the truth of the Gospel?
Beloved, what will you be known for?
Standing tall,
Bryan
Posted in A Word from the Pastor