Pillar People

James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship….

Galatians 2:9 NIV

A very wise man once referred to a young couple as “pillar people.” They had fostered five siblings for an extended time and had grieved deeply when the time ended. The wise man encouraged them to see themselves as a stable pillar God had placed within the lives of these children. The siblings would forever look back at that time of stability as a frame of reference.

I reflected upon the pillar people God had placed in my own life.  My grandmother claimed the chief pillar spot—consistent, predictable, and stable. She faithfully prayed for me until her death. Identifying her as a pillar person added a new dimension to the role she had played.

God has since placed other pillar people in my life. They are emotionally present. They listen well, speak wisdom into my life, and faithfully intercede.

Paul identified several esteemed pillars in the fellowship in Galatia; James, Cephas, and John. The word Paul used, stylos, means a column, a prop, or support. Believers looked to these three for wisdom and leadership. Their presence provided support for their own journey of faith. Perhaps Paul did not realize that he, too, would one day become a valuable pillar of the early church. I certainly do not see myself as a pillar, but perhaps someone else does.  

Thank You, Lord, for James, Cephas, John, and Paul who served as pillar people by their faith within the early church and later through their writings in Scripture. Thank you for the pillar people you have placed in my life. Sensitize me to that role you have given me in others’ lives, and be glorified through it. Continue to raise up many pillar people among Your children for Your glory and for Your kingdom!

Linda Lesniewski