SCRIPTURE:
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
OBSERVATION:
A while ago, I was having dinner at Eagle Cafe with a mentor. We were talking story when our dinner arrived. Not wanting to distract from the conversation, I interjected and said “God, thanks for the food. In Jesus name, Amen” and proceeded with the conversation. Then my mentor stopped, closed his eyes, and said “Father God, forgive him for the lack of honor and respect he has given you. We honor you today. In Jesus name, Amen.” Then he looked me in the eyes and said “if you’re going to say his name, even if it’s just for two seconds, at least give Him the honor He deserves….”
Do you treat Christianity as a checklist or as a privilege?
In 1 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul talks about the sacrament of communion. He expresses the gratitude, remembrance, and reverence involved in this sacred practice. However, right after these verses that are often quoted during communion, Paul issues a warning that we often forget about: “whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:27-28).
Yes, God welcomes us to come to Him just as we are. He makes Himself extremely accessible to us and He is our close friend, but we must not forget His worthiness. If we’re honest, we often take this privilege of an intimate relationship for granted, and we approach the King of Kings as if he is the beggar of beggars. We give celebrities and people of influence more honor than we do the Lord of Lords. And in doing so, we miss out on the privilege of communing with God.
Christianity is not a checklist; it is the privilege of a personal relationship with God. And communion is a symbol of this relationship. This word “communion” comes from the Greek word “koinonia.” “Koinonia” does not mean “eating bread and wine;” it means “fellowship.” “Sharing in common.” It describes this deep, intimate connection between two people. And while the sacrament of communion is a symbol in our tradition of faith, it’s what this symbol points to that makes it sacred. For communion reminds us not only of the intimate relationship that we have with Christ, but more importantly, of the great price that was paid that afforded us this great privilege.
What Paul is saying in this sacred text is that we must not take this privilege––this relationship––for granted. This is not just a call to reverence for the sacrament of communion; it is a call to reverence for our entire relationship with God.
APPLICATION:
That night at Eagle Cafe, my mentor was right. I had perverted the privilege of prayer––thanking my Father and talking to Him––into a checklist item to make myself feel better before eating a meal. In that moment, faith was a checklist; not a privilege. And I had squandered that privilege royally. But as bad as I felt that night, I am grateful for that moment of conviction––for it opened my eyes to realize the great privilege I have of constant communion with God. And since then, my daily relationship with Him has never been the same, for the better. And I pray that God would allow the same realization to happen in your life.
When you worship God, do you sing the words half-heartedly just because everyone else is doing, or do you enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise because you know what He has done in your life.
When you pray to God, do you just rattle off your list of “I wants” to a sugar daddy, or do you realize the greatness of the one whom you are talking to, who hears your every word, and who sees the depths of your heart?
When you engage in your faith, do you simply complete a checklist to make yourself feel better, or do you truly desire the God who loves you and who gave His all for you.
God is not an “either/or” God; He is “both/and” God. He is not just a Close Friend; He is the King of Kings. He is not just the God of Second Chances; He is the One who made the sun, moon, and stars. God is both intimate and magnanimous. He is both your closest friend and Creator of the Universe. He is both the God who sees you, and God Almighty over all.
In your relationship with God, don’t miss your reverence. Don’t force God to let everything fall apart in your life for you to finally see, and realize, and respect Him for who He is. God is calling us to a greater reverence. A greater honor. A great realization of the privilege we have of a relationship with Him. Be a child who gives your Heavenly Father the honor He deserves. Lavish your love on Him by appreciating the fullness of who He is.
Christianity is not a checklist; it is a privilege. Treat it as such.
PRAYER:
God,
You are almighty. You are awesome. There are no words to describe how great, and wonderful, and magnificent You are. I repent for the times I have failed to recognize Your greatness, and I ask for Your forgiveness in the times I have taken You for granted. Today, I realize who You are, I give You the reverence and respect that You deserve, and I thank You for the privilege You have given me to respect, honor, and worship You. I love You, Lord. Thank You for loving me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
