The word "pulpit" appears only one time in the Bible. In Neh 8:4 it states that, "...Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose..." It is defined as a "raised platform from which a preacher delivers his sermon or message to the church or congregation." We follow this custom in our time, usually without exception. However, the dimensions, material, etc., are incidental. It is a place of dedication, respect and dignity.

What did Ezra and those who stood beside him on that occasion do when they stood in this place? Notice: "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading" (Neh 8:6).

The word "dignity" means "The quality of being worthy of esteem or honor, high repute, loftiness of appearance or manner: proper pride and self-respect." It is a place where the word of God is to be taught, and the meaning or sense be given. A place where men appeal "to the law and the testimony" (Isa 8:20). It is to be a place where men support their messages with a "thus saith the Lord..." This expression is used many times in the scriptures, especially in the book of Exodus. The pulpit is a place where men should grace it with their personal appearance, but more especially with their subject matter. It is a place where the character of the messenger and the nature of his message should complement each other.

The pulpit is not a place where men sometimes resort to the language of the street to illustrate their point. It is not a place for marriage counseling. "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled..." (Heb 13:4); and I doubt very much the wisdom of men who will use the pulpit in displaying their expertise to prove why this principle is true. Take the passage for what it says and let it be.

In our educational institutions (in both the lower and upper levels) very plain language is being used to describe deviant and promiscuous behavior. Some of this language has found its way into our pulpits; more so I think, among some of our younger preachers and teachers who have attended these institutions of higher learning. Allow me to sound a word of warning to our younger preachers and teachers (and we have same very good ones among us). Paul said to Timothy, whom he called his "own son in the faith," "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example unto the believers, in word (this includes pulpit instruction) in conversation, (manner of life)" etc. (I Tim 4:12). We who have been through this period of life, as a young preacher, know that many of our youthful mistakes were unintentional. Our pulpit manners were not always the best and our choice of words not always the wisest and we could have become "despicable." A well deserved compliment to the preacher or teacher, be he young or old, is generally given for encouragement. However, if it is taken in the wrong way it could become self-destructive. No preacher or teacher, should "think of himself above that which is written" (I Cor 4:6). He should show respect for that which is written, both in and out of the pulpit.

The leaders in every congregation have the awesome responsibility of safeguarding and protecting the pulpit from unwise, undignified and unprofitable teaching. "Follow them that lead you" (Heb 13:17). MacKnight says, "...for they watch over your behavior..." Let the leaders lead well, and let us follow well!

Note: I am sure that most of you by now are aware of the great loss that the Cook family has suffered in the death of Velma (wife, mother, and grandmother), my helper indeed. Velma read and corrected everything I ever wrote. She was sharp in finding misspelled words, and wording that didn't seem quite right. Her father, Homer L. King, depended on her to help him correct O.P.A. material, years ago. Velma corrected this article and said, "Send it in. Maybe it will do some good." I dedicate this article to her precious memories.-C.T. Cook.