Dr. Howard G. Henricks: “There are two kinds of people in the church. First are pillars that support, and second are caterpillars that crawl in and out week after week.” In many local churches, this statement seems to be true.
Pillars: First, the Church is described as the Pillar of Truth. In ancient architecture, the central pillar bore the weight of the whole building structure. (I Timothy 3:15) It is also translated as pillar and foundation of the truth. That means that the church is preserver, guardian, and proclaimer of the Truth. Second, the Apostles of the Lord were also compared to the pillars of the church. Paul compared apostles like Peter, James, and John, who provided the foundational stability to the church. The apostles’ teaching is the basic foundation for the church. Third, the Lord Jesus described the believers as overcomers to John the Apostle on the island of Patmos. (Revelation 3:12) Individual disciples are called to be conquerors, overcomers, and victorious, defeating sin, Satan, and the world, to be pillars in the Temple of God. All believers are called and endowed with His divine power to be strong, stable, abiding, and productive.
Caterpillars: Generally, caterpillars are agricultural pests. They are voracious feeders who eat and cause damage to fruits, leaves, and plants. Some believers become like caterpillars that come to feed, enjoy, and leave. They essentially do not engage in church activities and contribute to the local church. Sadly, they cause damage like parasites and pests.
Flourish: The Psalmist writes that God’s saints are righteous. They flourish like a palm tree that is planted in the courts of God. They are rooted in God’s presence, love, and Word. Like palm trees, disciples thrive in the local church amid harsh, dry, and windy conditions. (Psalm 92:12-14) Disciples are like the Blessed person who meditates on the Word of God Day and night. They flourish like a tree planted beside streams, evergreen and provide fruit in season. (Psalm 1:1-3)
Am I an engaging and contributing member of the Body of Christ?