Pain up in da Joint

Joints are points of connection.

They are important, necessary, and can often be a source of pain.

Ephesians 4.16 says, “He makes the whole body (the church) fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (NLT)

God put us (the church) together. According to Him, we fit together perfectly…

And I think God has a great sense of humor.

What a strange combination we are!

Who but God would have ever imagined us together?

Most of the pain and drama in the church comes FROM people TO people..

Most of the pain in the church is joint pain—where we fit together and how we work (or don’t work) together.

I’ve heard pastors say, “Ministry would be easy if it weren’t for all the people.”

The answer to “pain up in da joint” isn’t amputation (although a case could be made for amputation when one part of the body is stuck and threatens the life of the entire body—like James Franco cutting off his arm in the movie 127 Hours).

God brought us together and put us together.

Individual parts don’t live when separated from the body.

God’s plan for us never included isolation.

The truth is, we’re better together.

In the book of Acts, it says “Those who believed were baptized and ADDED to the church.” (Acts 2.41).

Each time someone is added, a new point of connection is established in the church—a new joint forms…

And that is why the church should always be having some growing pains.

Pain up in da joint is a sign of life, growth, and health.