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Are you connected?
Are You Connected?
…from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:16
This verse declares several truths concerning spiritual growth. We’re not going to pick this verse apart, but basically what it tells us is that growth comes from the Head (that’s Christ) when the members (that’s us) build each other up and help each other grow.
But how do the members help each other to grow? There is much we could say, but part of what this verse tells us that we grow because we are connected together. The word translated “joint” (haphe) has many meanings. “Basically it means a ‘touch’, and so can mean ‘contact’, ‘point of contact’, or ‘grip’” (Francis Foulkes). So the idea is that growth happens through points of contact. It is our connectedness that promotes growth.
The application is simple: if you’re not connected, you’re not going to grow. So let me suggest some things you can do to get connected with the church.
Worship. The early church “continued steadfastly” in worship together (Acts 2:42). They were encouraged to assemble together for worship in order to “stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). We assemble together for worship three times every week. Sometimes we meet for other special meetings. These are opportunities for you to grow.
Prayer. Jesus would often pray together with His disciples (Luke 9:28). The early church would regularly pray together “with one accord” (Acts 4:24). The saints prayed in the house of Mary when Peter was in prison (Acts 12:12). Christians were encouraged to ask the elders of the church to come pray for them when sick (James 5:14). We gather at the building sometimes for the purpose of prayer. Sisters will gather at someone’s home for prayer together. Brothers often get together for this purpose. Some will simply call another brother or sister on the phone to pray with them. These are all opportunities for growth.
Singing. Jesus sang with His disciples after He instituted the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:26). When Paul and Silas were in prison they not only prayed, but sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). Instead of getting together with worldly friends to get drunk with wine, early Christians were encouraged to sing spiritual songs together (Ephesians 5:18-19). We sing here at the building once a month for a special service. We gather in homes to sing. Families like to sing together in the car on trips and in their home together. We’re “filled with the Spirit” and grow in Christ when we do this together.
Service. The “widows indeed” described in 1 Timothy 5 were those who brought up children, lodged strangers, washed the saints feet, and relieved the afflicted (v 10). In Romans 12 early Christians were told to be hospitable and distribute to the needs of the saints (v 13); to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (v 15). Sisters here often take food to those who have special needs. Sometimes they take care of children for others or run errands for them when needed. Brothers will go visiting at the hospital or in homes. They will cut grass or make repairs or help someone move. Every time an act of service is done or offered there is spiritual growth.
We could give more examples but the point should be clear by now. The body of Christ is an organism that depends on points of connection to grow. The more you are connected to other members of the body the more you are able to grow. The less you are connected the less you are able to grow.
The application is twofold:
- If we see someone who is stagnated spiritually or declining, our response should be to reach out and make contact with them. Encourage them to come to the worship if they are missing. Invite them to the house for prayer or singing. Try to include them in whatever service you offer to others.
- If you find your spiritual growth has stagnated or is in decline, you must reach out to the body to make contact. You cannot survive on an island. There are no lone rangers in the body of Christ. Come to our singings. Come to our prayer services. Don’t ever miss a worship service. Find people who are serving and ask how you might be included.
We are “members of one another” (Romans 12:5). If you are not in regular contact with other members of the body you are in serious danger. Are you connected?
David Maxson, Embry Hills church of Christ, www.embryhills.com
