1 Corinthians 11:27-29 So often in our lives and in our work we can accomplish things while functioning on “automatic pilot.” Working at a job a half an hour away from home I drove the same route day in and day out, back and forth from home to work. There were many days when I would get home and realize that I had no recollection of anything that I did on the way home. The entire trip passed without my even noticing.
It can be a scary thought to know that you have been driving without focusing all your attention on what you are doing. But the same scary thought can occur when we realize that we are going through a life of faith with our eyes closed.
As Paul continues with his comments on the Lord’s Supper what does he say about those who take part in Communion in an unworthy manner? What should we do? What does self-examination do for us?
Paul warns against taking part in Holy Communion in “an unworthy manner.” We may not know exactly what that means, although if we look at what Paul has said earlier (1 Corinthians 11:17-22) we can assume he is talking about people who treat this religious act as a social act. Much of this comes from the fact that early worship services involved a full meal.
But we can take Communion in an unworthy manner today, without the presence of a meal. If we do not fully appreciate the gravity and importance of what Communion is all about we are partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. If we take part in the sacrament out of duty and habit and not a desire to be in the presence of Jesus, we are taking part in an unworthy manner.
As we approach the sacrament of Communion we must recognize what is going on. We must see that it represents and reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made to save our souls. We must see it as an opportunity to enter into an intimate connection with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God, the Father. We commune with God, joining our spirit with His. This attitude can be gained through a time of self-examination and spiritual preparation.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What must you do to recognize the importance of Communion?
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