The Backbone

Jonathan and his family sat down to dinner and Dad asked Johnny, “What did you learn in school today?”
Johnny answered, “We learned about slavery.” But then Johnny veered off topic and asked about the backbone. He wanted to know its purpose.
Dad answered by saying, “In the body, the backbone or spinal column provides structural support and protection for the body. It gives the body shape and allows for posture and flexibility. Without the backbone the body cannot function properly.”
Johnny responds, “Well can a person be considered a backbone?” 
Dad answered, “Yes, Jesus is the backbone of our faith; as the chief cornerstone, he provides support, structure, and protection for the body of Christ. Without Jesus we don’t function properly.”  
 
After listening to his dad, the boy retorted that in class the teacher said that mothers are the backbone of the black family.
Looking over at his mom, he mouthed, “No offense, mom, but after learning about slavery I think fathers are the backbone.” He continued, “If mothers were the backbone of the family they would have separated the women from the family not the men. Removing fathers removes the protection, stability, and structure from the family.”

Shocked but impressed by Johnny’s insight, his parents continued the conversation throughout dinner.

As believers, we must remember that Christ is the chief cornerstone. If we remove Christ (the cornerstone) the body has no support, protection, or stability. Without the chief cornerstone the building falls or can’t be used for its intended purpose. Without Christ we can’t stand or even function properly; we cannot be used for our intended purpose. Without Christ, we are prone to implode, act ungodly, or destroy our testimony. Since Christ can stand alone, he provides us with the support, protection, and stability we need. Without Him we are unsupported, unprotected, and unstable. Without Him we stumble and often fall. Like fathers are the guards at the family door; Christ is the guard at our Christian door.

PRAYER: On Christ the solid rock we stand all other ground is sinking sand. Imagine life without Christ. He is everything we need and has everything we need. Lord, thank you for loving us so much that You sent Your only begotten son to provide us with the stability, the protection, and the support we need to live a life pleasing to You. Forgive us when we reject that support. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns