Perhaps the most quickly recognized illustration of a member of our body being detached is the retina, that part of the eye that receives the image and sends it through the optic nerve. When it becomes detached, that eye is unable to see.

Paul declared that we are all members of the body, if we are children of God, Christians (I Cor. 12:18-20). And he further taught that all of the members must work for the well-being of the whole body (Eph.  4:16).

But we cannot function if we become detached from the rest of the body. That part of the body that is cut off, or detached from the body, can be no benefit to the body. An arm severed from the body can do no work for the one who has lost that limb. But neither can the body continue to supply life to the part that is detached.

Even so, members of Christ can neither serve him nor can he be a blessing to them, if they become detached from Him. A close association with the Lord in the body is necessary for the grace of God to save and bless us.

 Those members who have detached themselves from the church or have so lived as to have the fellowship with God's people broken will die as surely as a severed limb. Jesus said, ``As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, so neither can you, except ye abide in me''
(John 15:4). We cannot miss meeting and working with other saints in the church and bear fruit for the Lord. We must stay attached to His body in all things to keep our fellowship with Him, for He is the head of the body. Are you well attached?

Let us keep well involved in worship, in teaching others, in study, in ministering to others' needs to keep our lifelines connected securely.  Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. 

— Frank Smith