The House
Of God II: Anointed Pillars
Genesis 28: 11, 18
This message is about serving in the house of
God - rising up from your pillows to set up pillars in the house. In response
to the dream he had, Jacob did something very interesting. He turned his pillow
of stone to an anointed pillar signifying the house of God. This was not the
only case where God’s house is associated with pillars. The temple Solomon
You are a house planted in a larger house in the
form of a group of believers or local church. You bring potential to the group.
The potential appears in three forms.
Repressed Potential (Genesis 28:18a)
Potential
remains dormant/untapped in church members who do not participate in church
life. When you do
nothing about the business of the house of God whether by negligence, fear, or
ignorance, you are unfairly sleeping or sitting on some potential needed in the
house. God brings you to a church because there is something he wants you to
contribute. Often, you are aware of needs and areas for improvement in the
church in areas for which you have some strength. However, instead of applying
your strength to the need the temptation is to murmur and complain about it. If
your potential is hidden or dormant, the church is deprived of strength. You
may think the part you are able to play is small but faithfully given the small
part is essential. You lose out in your walk with Christ if you are not actively
participating in what God is doing in your church. If you ignore or neglect the
business of God’s house fruit of your own endeavors will be little (Haggai 1:2-6).
May you today dream like Jacob did that God has
business to do with you. God has a plan and purpose. Overcome the temptation to
spiritually lie on a pillow and be spiritually lukewarm and indifferent. Whatever
thing or ‘stones’ giving you comfort in your slumber is needed for pillars in God’s house. Stones can give you better service as
pillars than pillows. Stone pillows are not good enough, not assuring
enough, and not lasting. Of what contribution are you
depriving your church? You may be withholding effort, commitment, availability,
ideas, excellence, or resources. Instead of watching and gossiping about
weaknesses in the church, ask what the needs are and how you may serve.
Recovered Potential
(Genesis 28:8b)
Potential
is recovered when one makes the choice to respond to needs and opportunities
for involvement in one’s local
church. When ever
you recognize the house of God you have
opportunity to provide a pillar. Jacob
rose up early to convert his pillow to a pillar. He was deliberate about it. There was no
command from God in the dream compelling him to set up a pillar. You can make a
personal choice to be a pillar. We follow God by choice out of love for Him
because He first loved us. The
revelation of God gives freedom. No church involvement should be under pressure.
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Time to arise is now (Mathew 6:33). God wants
you to rise up as a priority and do something for Him that will last, something
that can be an inspiring memorial for you and others. Now is the time to arise
and exchange your pyjamas for work suits. Instead of sleeping on potential, it is
time you offer and apply your resources, gifts, skills and talents in your
local church.
A pillar is a column used for support or
decoration. A pillar is somebody who does not limit or despise his/her
contribution. Pillars are faithful because they know their part is essential to
the success of the whole. They know unfaithfulness is letting everyone else,
and God down. They fight for opportunity to do their best in God’s house.
A pillar is dependable. It is something secure enough to lean on (Job
8:15). Jesus is the master pillar and cornerstone. He is trustworthy (Proverbs
3:5) and He can express the same through you. Your excuses can become exploits
for God (Daniel 8:32). Your complains can turn to campaigns for the house. You
can graduate from warming pews to being productive.
Released Potential
(Genesis 28:18c)
Potential is
released when believers serve in the house in the fullness of the Spirit. When believers walk close to God their
contribution has supernatural results. Jacob anointed the pillar he raised with
oil. Anointing sets apart things or places for a divine purpose. It is like a
spiritual aerial/beacon that marks a target for grace and blessing. It is an
act of consecration and dedication to God. It is a divine trademark on what is
available for God’s use only. You are anointed (1 John 2:20; Acts 1:8) and
have what it takes to do great works (John 14:12). A pillar represents
strength. An anointed pillar carries greater power. God is in the business of making anointed pillars
from stone pillows.
Faithful service in your local church will bear
fruit (1 Corinthians 4:2; Rev. 3:11-12). If not immediately, it will
eventually. Contributions made to one’s local church include actively supporting and
praying for activities of the church. It
is being available to be a part of ministry and leadership teams in the church.
Or being involved in the various ministry areas according to your passion and
gifting. It also involves cooperating with the leadership by applying God’s word in one’s life and going through the Christian formation
and ministry development programs available in your church. Showing up and
participating in church events. It can be participating in carrying out
physical work on church premises. It is inviting people to church and faithfully
giving tithes and offerings. It is also
visiting people who need company, prayer, encouragement or comfort and responding
to opportunities to serve. It also includes being a good ambassador by your
integrity, stability and godly living in your communities. Being unmovable, not
quitting easily and not getting easily offended (1 Corinthians 15:58). It means
being instant in season and out of season.
Dependable and being a person of his/her word.
[This message is the Second
among several in a series of messages on the house of God. The series raises
awareness of the importance of belonging and fully participating in the life of
a local church.]
Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.
Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith
Life Center
Ground and First
Floors Sunset
Bay Building
204B Bram Fischer drive,
Randburg, Johannesburg ,
South Africa
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