Wisdom's Corner
Stay in Joint

In a previous issue we looked at Titus 3:10-11, where the heretick is said to condemn himself. We noticed that the words in the greek were also used to refer to a joint being out of joint. We do not want to be out of joint in spiritual matters. And we certainly do not want to force our own spiritual joint out of joint.

We want to stay in joint. In Ephesians 4:15-16 we read, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Notice that Christians are spoken of as body parts. And we are to stay in joint with one another. We are properly joined together by Christ who is the head of the body. The body is the church. If we stay together (in joint) with one another, then the body (the church) can function the way it is supposed to function.

Imagine your body trying to run and play games with one of your legs out of joint. You would not run very well. In fact, you may not be able to play at all. The church can have the same problem if one of its members is out of joint. The church will not be able to serve God the way it is commanded to do if one of the members is out of joint.

Now imagine that both of your legs and both of your arms are out of joint. Now you could not do much of anything. You could not even feed yourself. Imagine the church with the same problem. Many of its members are out of joint. The church would not be able to do much of anything it is supposed to do. And without help, it would die. Just like you would die if no one came along to help you.

This is why it is important to stay in joint. Study God's word, the Bible. As you study, you will learn that it is easier to stay in joint the more you know about God's word. Attend church services. You will learn that it is easier to stay in joint when you are with other Christians.

Until next time, keep getting God's wisdom. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 1999

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)