Upheld By The Pillars

There was this organisation that I was a part of at one point. Their leadership team was made of four people.

Those four people were tight. There was a clear understanding of what they contributed to the development of the organisation and over the years they forged something so powerful that anyone joining the organisation had no doubt who the organisation was founded on. Some people got a little concerned about just how close those four people were. It’s fair to say there was elements of jealousy at just how close the four of them were. That only highlighted, however, the strength of the relationships. Four people of varying personality types, but had a strong understanding of how they operated among themselves and to the organisation as a whole.

That organisation went through a number of changes over the years. Plenty of ups and downs were experienced and some thought that they would not be able to weather the storms when they came. They thought this, however, without considering just how deep the relationships were among the core four. When times got tough, the four clearly resolved to face it together and stick to their understanding. Even when rumours and speculation looked to unsettle them, they remained firm. Far more than the physical structure that housed the organisation, the relationships among these four formed the pillars on which the organisation stood.

Reflecting on that got me thinking about the value of pillars in life. Whether the reference to pillars are about key people in life or key values to rest on, it’s worth looking at what your life rests on. That reminds me of a piece of advice Paul of Tarsus gave to his spiritual son, Timothy.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Four values and the encouragement to pursue those things with the right company as well. The values and the relationships. These things matter. It’s worth stopping to think of what values matter to you and whether your close relationships reinforce or undermine them.

Perhaps finding the right pillars in life will enable you to build the kind of life that can withstand the challenging circumstances you’re likely to face.

(Photo by Macu ic on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden