A Lean-To Or A Pillar?
Are you a lean-to or a pillar of faith? A lean-to is a structure, such a shed or an outbuilding, that has a single slope with its upper edge adjoining a wall or a building. It gains its ability to stand from another structure, whereas, a pillar is a firm upright support for a superstructure. It is strong and able to support another without collapsing under the weight of the load.
In the book of Genesis we have spiritual examples of both types of structures. Lot is an example of a spiritual lean-to, his ability to stand came from his uncle Abraham. Abraham gained his supernatural strength from God and therefore, he became a pillar and was able to stand on his own and support his nephew, Lot. But, when they separated and went their own ways, Lot lost his support and became weak. He lost his daughters to a sinful lifestyle of the time, and he lost his wife as well. But as we take note, it was the pillar, Abraham, that came back and rescued Lot from total destruction.
Because Lean-to Lot, did not have the proper framework to stand, when he went out on his own he and his family fell into ruins. Today, many Christian families fell or are falling into the same destruction, because there is only one strong faith structure in the family. And when the kids go out into the world, they often fall because they were brought up to be lean-tos and not pillars of faith.
In the beginning of our faith journey we need to lean on the support of the pillars, but we are not meant to remain as spiritual lean-tos. We are to strengthen our own faith and become pillars. So that, we can become part of God’s work-force and enhance the kingdom of God on this earth.
Abraham was a pillar because he was a man of faith. And he became a man of faith because he had a personal relationship with God. He was actually called a “friend of God”. In James 2:23 it says of Abraham, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.“
We need to teach our children and babes in- the- faith to develop their own personal relationship with the Lord. So, they too can stand firm in the times that lay ahead.
And we also need to concentrate our efforts in fortifying these weak structures, so they can become pillars. Instruct the people how to walk by faith, and not by sight, as Abraham learned to do.
Romans 4: 19-22 says of Abraham “Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness.”
This type of faith only develops by deep relationship with the Lord and His Word. And because of his close fellowship with Him he was able to work out his faith to the glory of the Lord. He became a pillar and we can too.
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© 2013 Author Becky Dvorak–Healing and Miracles International, All rights reserved.
