I have come to love and embrace this passage in Psalm 144, simply because it is a wonderful expression of the Women’s ministry. In both ancient and modern times, pillars represent structures built for the sole purpose of strengthening or supporting other structures. In essence that is the thrust behind this ministry. We are to come alongside women to support, strengthen and encourage them in the solid foundation upon which they stand ~ Jesus Christ and His Word (1Cor.3:11).

Interestingly, a pillar consists of three main parts, which can parallel three essentials of a spiritual woman. First is the Base - This is the lower part of the pillar upon which all of its weight is balanced. In terms of ministry, this would be the Word of God. Everything we do and teach must stem from one solid foundation - God’s Word. Apart from a strong commitment to the Word of God the ministry is nothing more then a motivational meeting. But when given the place of priority, when taught and applied, God’s Word is life changing. Therefore it must be the bedrock of our ministry.

Next is the Shaft - This is the long stem or body of the pillar. As the longest feature of the pillar, it has the greatest potential for distraction, but because it is fluted (inset with grooves) it is designed to keep the eye of the observer always moving upward, away from itself. I believe this parallels the leaders humility. A true spiritual leader will live in such a way as to keep the eyes of those who look upon her, away from herself... to the most essential One ~ Jesus Christ. Our role as women is not to attract attention to our pillar but to always point in word and deed to the brilliance of the Master Builder. We are simply the structures He has chosen to use (John 15:16).

Finally , there is the Capital (top) of the pillar. This is the most distinctive part of the pillar and reveals the true mastery of the Craftsman. Typically it is hand carved, chiseled or sometimes even inscribed. The capital, I believe, represents the surrender of a woman. One of the blessings of reaching out to others is that as we begin to minister, God begins first ... to chisel away at us! You see, we can affect those around us - as we have learned to follow and yield to His sculpting Hand. The spiritual changes will often be deep and penetrating, which means the cutting away will sometimes be painful. But if we allow Him to chisel away the rough areas of our lives He can produce a spiritual adornment that will be beautiful to behold, reflect His design and spiritually benefit the overall structure of the Church.

So the essentials of a spiritual woman: Her base is settled on God's Word, her shaft points to God’s glory not her own, and her capital reflects God’s design as she yields in submission to His will.

Beloved, may He use us as Pillars of His Word.
Rev.3:12