Wisdom's Corner
Manning the Fleet

In ancient times many empires were very dependent on some type of shipping fleet. This was particularly true of the empires around the Mediterranean Ocean. There was a great deal of shipping done across the Mediterranean.

This shipping helped different nations trade their goods for other goods. This shipping helped nations grow and expand. This shipping increased the economies of the nations involved.

Ships were used to transport businessmen, prisoners, and even important politicians. Traveling by ship saved valuable time that would have been lost to travel around the coasts by land. Important messages could arrive quickly.

Each empire also had a navy. They did not necessarily call it a navy but these ships fought battles on the water for their nation. These ships also carried supplies to armies in distant lands. And these ships transported soldiers to distant lands.

An important task was getting the men to work on these ships. The fleet needed good sailors who would make sure the ships arrived safely. At times the sailing could be difficult. The sailors might waver in their wanting to continue. It was important to keep these sailors on their jobs. And it was important to continue to find more sailors.

Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." And be ready to take supplies to soldiers that fall.

The word "restored" in this verse was used to refer to this job of "manning the fleet." At times some Christians decide to leave the job of manning the ship. It is our duty to get them back to the ship. The ship (the church) needs every person doing his job well. Every person is important in the church. For the church to take the message of the gospel effectively, every person needs to be manning his station. For the church to grow spiritually, every person needs to be manning his station well. For the church to fight the battle for truth against Satan, every person needs to work his best at his station.

Be the good sailor you should be. Read the Bible to learn what you should do. And help to man the fleet. When you see a fellow sailor fall away, bring him back to the ship.

Until next time, keep getting the wisdom of God. 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)