Spiritual Growth

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “PILLAR” IN THE HOUSE OF GOD?

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Exodus 17:12 – The Purpose of a Pillar

“But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

Anyone who has ever led knows that leadership comes with challenges. You may have heard, “Leadership is lonely” or “It’s lonely at the top,” but that’s not how God designed it. The greatest leaders in Scripture had strong people beside them, supporting them through their toughest battles. These individuals are what I call Pillars.

In Exodus 17, Amalek attacked Israel, and Moses instructed Joshua to lead the battle while he stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up the staff, Israel prevailed. But when he grew weary and lowered his hands, Amalek gained the advantage.

Moses did not stand alone. He had two pillars beside him—Aaron and Hur. As his strength faded, they placed a stone under him and held up his hands. Because of their support, Moses endured, and Israel won the battle.

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The Role of a Pillar

Not all of us will be the Moses in the story. More often than not, we are called to be an Aaron or Hur, supporting the leaders God has placed in our lives. Without these pillars, the battle might have been lost.

When I was truly saved at 19, I dedicated my life to serving in my local church. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.” I realized that my time, energy, and talents could be invested in eternal things.

One Sunday, as I stood in the back of the sanctuary, I heard the Lord say, “Be a pillar for him.” I looked up at the physical pillars holding up the balcony and realized what God was calling me to be. He showed me three characteristics of true pillars.

1. Pillars Bear Weight

Pillars carry responsibility. Leadership is heavy, and God calls us to help shoulder the burden. Like Aaron and Hur, we must be willing to hold up the hands of our leaders so they can fulfill God’s mission.

2. Pillars Are Dependable

No one enters our church and looks at the balcony and questions if the columns will hold. They are trusted. Likewise, a true pillar in leadership is someone others can rely on—someone who does what they say they will do. Leaders shouldn’t have to wonder if we will follow through; they should know that we will.

3. Pillars Are Firmly Grounded

Pillars don’t move. They stand strong under pressure and remain steadfast through challenges. God is looking for people who are rooted in faith, unwavering in trials, and committed to the call.

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Will You Be a Pillar?

Who is the Moses in your life? A boss? A pastor? A mentor? Instead of seeking leadership, perhaps God is calling you to strengthen a leader. If you have the opportunity to share the weight of the battle, don’t hesitate—step up, stand firm, and keep their hands steady until victory comes.