The Pedestal

 In my own life, I have gone through many that I have put in my imaginary glass trophy case. Some of them have been athletes, preachers, teachers, and even friends. As I have been reading through the books of 1-2 Kings, I am beginning to see more and more how dangerous that really is in the eyes of God. Israel sinned against the Lord after He had led them out of Egypt. He instructed them not to worship other gods and they disobeyed (2 Kings 17:7-13).

Many times as missionaries we have heard and seen how churches and believers tend to put missionaries on the top of the proverbial spiritual pedestal. As a missionary, I have to say that this is not right. We are not to be atop the pedestal but Jesus Christ our Risen Lord is to be atop the pedestal. Each of us in the body of Christ have a calling to serve and love Him no matter where we are. From janitors to worship leaders; crisis pregnancy center nurses to stay at home moms; coaches to business men, if you are a Christian you are called by God to serve Him no matter where you are. We all are "living stones, being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5

Ladders and pedestals are inevitable in this fallen and corrupt world, but as Christians, we should always look at the world on an even plane where no one is exalted above another. All of us have our flaws and struggle with sin. None of us should bow down or raise our eyes to anyone but Jesus Christ. He ALONE is worthy of our praise. He alone is the one who saved us from the darkest depths of sin. He alone knows us like no one else. He alone loves us like no other, therefore, no one should be raised above Him.