Applying this picture to the local church, we know how easily a backslidden and corrupt member can bring another into bondage. Perhaps someone has succumbed to a sad spirit of bitterness, hostility or jealousy, and now constantly criticises others. And perhaps such a person secures the friendship of other members and proceeds to fill them with poison; always denigrating; always condemning. We are warned of the 'root of bitterness' through which many can be defiled (Hebrews 12), and surely this is the one who 'with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour'. But it is possible, says the proverb, 'through knowledge' for 'the just' person to 'be delivered'. We are constantly taught in the Bible to be very careful of associations. If we associate closely with people whose spirit is wrong because they are worldly or covetous or unreasonably critical, they will undoubtedly contaminate us and spoil our own spirit, so that we will need deliverance. Here, however, is one of the glorious things about the church. It is a pastoral community, within which people help and where necessary rescue each other. Teaching and employing the principles of the Word of God, we disentangle ourselves and one another from bad influences, which may steal over us like the parasitic creeper. The church is a caring family, and no one should be left in the grip of any soul-destroying error. Has someone fallen under the power of filthiness, or foolish talking or jesting or unthankfulness? May the Lord provide every church with those who possess with the skill to disentangle the vulnerable before it is too late, and restore them to a place of blessing, usefulness and advancing godliness.