Are you a DECORATIVE or FUNCTIONAL pillar? – Part 1

It is amazing how thoughts drop into our hearts. This topic originated from a thought and observation I was having; of how some houses are built especially in some parts of the world and on close observation, you notice some pillars are there for decorative purposes; in other words adding no value of support to the structure. I term this sort of pillar – decorative, it supports nothing but itself, making this pillar a self supporting pillar good for nothing, and quite frankly occupying valuable space. On the other hand, you have functional pillars whose purpose is to offer support to a building or structure. The functional pillar is not there to serve its own purpose, but to serve the purpose of another. A functional pillar is always available looking for ways to prop up, and hold up under, to sustain, to shoulder a level of weight; in other words “releasing the weight from another.”

As you might be aware, pillars come in different shapes and sizes; the size of a pillar is determined by the level of work it would be asked to do during the design phase of the structure. Pillars as we know are meant to support the weight of something, that is its purpose, so when we find a pillar not providing support, we then need to ask the question, what is this pillar for? I have visited some building sights, and in amazement, have had to ask the building site project manager or the architect, what is the use of a pillar if it is not supporting anything? And their response to me, “Sir it is there just for fancy.” Now, here is my thought provoking question, what type of pillar are you? Decorative or Functional? But before you respond, pause and calmly think on this one thing, the main purpose of a pillar is to offer support to a building or a structure. Which one are you?

The Greek meaning for pillar is stulos (“a column supporting the weight of a building”), Oh, so my claim to fame is “Kolumns.” In the context of the discourse, I would be referring to our collective capacities and responsibilities as it relates to the church, families and society. Pillars are never meant to be ineffective, they are meant to be supportive in whatever context they might find themselves, pillars offer stability, they offer hope and security. In the context of the local church or assembly, Galatians 2:9 “James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.” These three were esteemed as pillars because of the support they gave to their local assembly or church. Everyone of us is gifted with an ability for something; and how we use or express these gifts determine whether or not we are being decorative or functional pillars in our respective local assembly.

Have you noticed, pillars have never been designed to stand alone; if you will observe, there are several pillars in a house serving different purposes, consequently, your gift and that of others used to serve the local assembly compliment one another. Scripture says “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help, but someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Read Ecclesiastes 4:10. Our pillar is to support someone else’s, and not just ourselves, pause and calmly think. The more pillars, the better and the stronger the structure becomes, so not one pillar can brag over the other; we all bring something to the structure.

Pillars can be likened to the skills we possess. God Himself recognised the importance of having and using your skills at the right time. Exodus 31:1. Then the Lord spoke to Moses,  saying: “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship…” And when you read further down the verse,  there were other artisans involved in the building of the Tabernacle. For example, Aholiab, and gifted artisans…” Every pillar or skill in the local assembly is valuable; God recognised and acknowledged this fact.

Theresa May, UK Prime Minister, “Strong Stable Leadership in the National Interest.” Ricky says “Collective, Vibrant, Engaging Pillars in the Service to Humanity.” Your local assembly requires your support, enlist your pillar today, and stand alongside many other pillars.

We continue to write, Keep reading, Be encouraged.