Pedestal Perils
Pedestals are used for a variety of reasons. We might be talking about the part of a vase that lifts the contents of the vase a little higher than would otherwise be the case. Maybe you have walked into a jewelry store and have noticed a pedestal being used to elevate one particular watch, necklace, or ring above all of the others. It could be a bakery, an art gallery, or a host of other places that make use of pedestals.
I think you get the idea. There is a subtle message when a pedestal is used. That message is something like: “Everything you’re looking at is special, but the object on the pedestal is really special.”
You may have noticed that, thus far, I have been writing about objects that are put on pedestals. Unfortunately, there are people who mentally put others or themselves on a pedestal. There are a number of perils when that begins to happen.
For example, if I put somebody else on a pedestal, I could very easily be setting myself up for real disappointment. Sooner or later the person I’ve put on a pedestal will disappoint me in some way. I don’t think that I’m being overly dramatic when I suggest that, given certain circumstances, this could lead to me becoming overly critical of everybody with whom I come into contact. I could become suspicious of the motives and actions of others. My entire attitude about almost everybody and everything could turn sour. I could miss out on a lot of enjoyment that others experience.
As sad as all of that could be, I’m also thinking of those who put themselves on a pedestal. They may miss out on a lot more than enjoyment.
If I happen to be one of those people who sees myself as a little (or a lot) better than others, I’ll never truly know what it feels like to “rejoice with those rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). I’ll never really know true interaction and connection.
Along with that, if I put myself on a pedestal, I’ll probably find it very difficult to feel the sense of balance and security experienced by those who have built their lives on the sure foundation of Jesus and His words (cf. Matt. 7:24-25). I may have the unsettling feeling that people will begin to notice that I’m not exactly as great as I would like for them to think I am. I could be constantly on guard because I’m afraid that somebody or some event could knock me off of my pedestal.
While there are many reasons why pedestals are not appropriate places for people in this life, the greatest peril has to do with eternity. If I ever consider giving another individual the ultimate place of honor in my heart, I need to remember that Jesus is the only One who should occupy that place and that He will not accept any other place.
If, on the other hand, I consider putting myself on a pedestal, I might need to reread some of those passages in the Bible informing us about God’s appreciation for humility and His hatred of pride. There are also examples of prideful people. Their pride cost them their relationships with other people, their relationship with God, and/or their souls.
Pedestals may serve a useful purpose for things. They should never be used for people, though. Pedestals put people in peril.
I might need to remember that both Peter (Acts 10:25-26) and an angel (Rev. 19:10) refused to be worshiped. That should keep me from putting somebody else on a pedestal.
If I’m ever tempted to put myself on a pedestal, I might need to remember that…
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18).
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
