Your Appendix

The appendix is a small organ in your body that is located near where your small and large intestines are joined. Many years ago, some people believed that the appendix was useless. They thought it was just leftover from our evolutionary ancestors.

However, those who believe the Bible disagreed. They believed that humans were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and that all of our body parts were useful, even though we might not know what every part was used for.

Recently, scientists have been studying the appendix. They have found that it does have a function—it helps to keep us healthy! Researchers at Duke University Medical School suggest that the appendix provides our intestines with good bacteria when we need it. Our intestines are filled with bacteria that help digest the food we eat. Some diseases may cause our bodies to get rid of the bacteria. In these cases, the appendix can supply more of the good bacteria that we need.

Of course, sometimes the appendix itself can become diseased. Those who have appendicitis need to have their appendix removed. From the Bible, we know that diseases happen because of what happened in the beginning—Adam disobeyed God and this sin brought death into the world (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12).

The next time someone tells you a part of your body is useless, just remember the truth: God created us in His image with all the parts that we need to stay healthy.