Pedestals are good to support objects but not so good to put individuals on.
Paul and Barnabas are on their 1st mission trip. Traveling from city to city sharing the gospel. They get to Lystra, and the Lord uses them to heal a man. The people call Paul and Barnabas gods. When the people of the city start trying to sacrifice to them, they tear their clothes (which is like showing an outward sign of grief and sorrow for sin) and say, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,” (Acts 14:15).
There’s a tendency in our nature to put others on pedestals. Celebrities are gifted so we listen intently to their advice more than others. We think sport-stars have the answers to issues in the world. We even put pastors on pedestals because we believe they hear from the Lord. Honor people for sure. All people! But let’s not put people on pedestals. That’s not of the Lord.
You can hear from the Lord yourself. Take time today to consider when the last time was you heard the Lord speak to you. How did He speak to you? It could be a still small voice, thru a situation, or other person. The Lord used a donkey to speak to Balaam. It could be dreams and visions or just sitting quietly before the Lord to give Him time to speak as you read the Bible. Two things for sure: Let’s not put others on a pedestal. Honor yes, but pedestal no. And the Lord wants to speak into your life daily. He is always speaking. Are you listening?
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.