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What Every Joint Supplies
When I stop and consider the workings of the human body, I can’t help but be reminded of the psalmist’s words, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Psa. 139:14). The way God created the various parts of the body to work together is absolutely amazing.
On many occasions Paul used the illustration of the human body to demonstrate how the body of Christ should work together. As part of that body, we must take these lessons to heart.
He reminds the Corinthians that no part of the body is more important than the other (1 Cor. 12:12-26). Each part of the body has a function … a role … that must be carried out and is equally as important. Though some roles seem—in our minds—to have more significance than others, God has given each individual a role and when one part is lacking it harms the whole. This is why when one member suffers, all suffer and when one part is honored, all are honored.
Likewise, Paul reminds the Ephesian brethren that the whole body is “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” (Eph. 4:16). The growth of a local congregation hinges on what every joint supplies, not just a few. It is not just the big muscles working individually that make for strength and growth, but it is every single joint working in tandem with the bigger muscles. It is every part doing its share.
The next time you think of your contributions to the work of a local church as meager, think again. A church will only reach its full potential for growth through the selfless contribution of every single member. So contribute your part, supply your talent, fulfill your role and realize our ultimate goal—to glorify the Lord Jesus, the Head of the body.
