Luke 5:31. And Jesus answered and said to them, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick." NAS.

Diseases that members of the church need to be aware of are as follows:

1. Preacheritus - the elevating of preachers beyond their proper place.

2. Teacheritus - the elevating of teachers beyond their proper place.

3. Brethrenitus - the attitude, "At all cost, I have to line up with the brethren or brotherhood."

4. Prejudice towards preachers, teachers and brethren.

You will not find these in a medical book, but they are among the most common spiritual diseases that members of the church are afflicted with. Some seem never to recover. Having gone so long in this condition, it becomes chronic. I suppose in the acute stage of these problems there is better hope. But for the chronic sufferer, if given into the proper physician's hands, there is hope. I highly recommend and only recommend Jesus Christ. With Him you will not need a second opinion. In fact with Him, he will not only diagnose exactly what the problem is, but has a sure and ready cure.

It has been found true that many diseases that humans suffer are contagious, that is one person infected can spread the illness. This is done by various means. Depending on the disease, it can be transmitted by airborne particles and/or by touch.

Concerning spiritual diseases, they are spread by deception, lies and misunderstandings, carried through the eyes and ears of its victims. The disease may even be self-inflicted. Sometimes, prejudice (a disease itself) is the means by which a person becomes infected. That is, pre-judging something before all the facts are known. Nevertheless, every one of these means of transmittal can be kept in check by proper spiritual hygiene practices.

First, be sure to wash your mind with a solution of God's word after hearing and speaking with preachers, teachers and brethren. There's nothing like having a clean mind to prevent possible infection.

Second, do not let prejudice touch your mind. Provide a daily dose of facts, which may be found first in the word of Christ.

Thirdly, clean out your spiritual ears that they may hear or understand.

Fourthly, stitch up your mouth when it experiences a convulsion of out of control speaking.

Lastly, but not least, be sure your spiritual heart beats in rhythm to our Lord. Don't go too fast, don't go too slow. Adjust your pacemaker to be in step with Jesus Christ.