Pillars and Caterpillars
March 4th, 2010
"James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars..." - Galatians 2:9
In every church there are two kinds of people - pillars and caterpillars. The two are easy to identify. The pillars are those who support the work of the church, while the caterpillars are those who feed off the church. Week by week the pillars serve and support, while the caterpillars consume what they can and seek to have their needs met. If you want to be useful to God and man, make sure that you are a pillar and not a caterpillar!
When the Apostle Paul visited the church in Jerusalem, he noticed three very firm pillars. In Galatians 2:9 he mentions the names of these pillars: James, the brother of Jesus, John, and Simon Peter (or Cephas as he was also known).
Although Paul only mentions these three, there were also many other pillars in the first century church. Their names are recorded in scripture. There was Timothy, and Titus, Luke, Silvanus, Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquilla, Mary, Phoebe, Demas, Stephanas, Archippus, Clement, Lydia, Urbanus, Philemon, Tychicus, John Mark, Epaphroditus, and Tertius. These dedicated men and women all served and supported the work of God. They are all mentioned by name in the New Testament.
Pillars support God's church in various ways. In the New Testament we read of Luke who accompanied Paul on his long and difficult journeys and attended to his medical needs. Then there was Tertius who served as a faithful writer for Paul when he was plagued by poor eyesight. Barnabas was a generous giver. Epaphroditus interceded day and night in prayer for the churches. Timothy cared for the church and faithfully taught the believers the word of God. Lydia accommodated missionaries in her home.
Although we do not know much about these dedicated pillars, God has recorded their good deeds in His word. If you are presently supporting the ministry of your church, let this be an encouragement to you. Hebrews 6:10 says, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." And 1Corinthians 15:58 adds: "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
Even if the going gets tough and you feel like quitting, don't give up. God promises to reward every faithful pillar in His church, and he will surely remember your work and labour of love.
In His strong love,
Demitri
P.S. Don't miss the March 15th grand opening of GOD'S ARMY, our new Calvary Chapel bookstore and coffee shop in Bree Street, Cape Town. More info to follow shortly!
