«But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation» (l Thessalonians 5:8).
STALACTITES AND STALAGMITES ARE FORMATIONS found in caves and are produced by a phenomenon called chemical precipitation. Stalactites are vertical formations that begin from top to bottom and stalagmites form upside down: from bottom to top.
Stalactites originate in the ceiling and continue to grow downwards toward the ground. They are rock formations that have in the center a conduit through which water circulates with minerals and that by its drip produces the formation of the stalagmites.
The stalagmites originating in the soil are directed upwards, do not have the central duct, and grow from the residues that come from above. At the time the two come together, a single structure called a column or pillar is formed.
Paul did not speak of stalactites or stalagmites, but these figures illustrate the apostle’s teaching. Our lives are possible not by a chemical precipitation but by the descent and incarnation of Christ among us. Our existence originates from a purpose that comes from above. Through Him we exist, through Him we nourish ourselves, in Him we grow, we become strong and sober. United to Him we become a firmly established column or pillar, a defense and bulwark of truth.
Paul reiterates the need to be protected by this armor to grow in the dark caverns of sin in this corrupt world. Faith and love are like the shield that covers the heart: for God, and for others. Hope is the helmet that protects the mind. The indifferent disbelievers set their sights on the things below, while committed believers turn their attention to the things above.
«One’s perspective on life determines the result that is obtained; and when this perspective looks up, a good outcome is assured,» said W. Wiersbe.
Let us recognize our absolute dependence on the Lord because only in Him we are Strong and firm in order to live as children of light, soberly, permanently dependent, faithfully obeying and being a pillar and a column to sustain others.
Just as Christ is our stalactite, because He spilled out His blood for us, made us, sustains us, nourishes us, and makes us grow;we, too, can be a stalactite that pours itself out on many, carrying saving nutrients of love, faith, and hope, and producing new stalagmites.