Consider Before Communion...

The church that we’ve been attending is similar to churches we’ve been a part of in the past in many ways (Check out CyFair Christian Church HERE). One difference is that we observe communion every Sunday rather than once a month. I also have the honor of taking it again each Tuesday morning at ladies Bible study. When I first realized this was such a regular thing, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. But now, there’s no question in my mind.

For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”  In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.

For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against[g] the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (emphasis added)

The Lord’s Supper is no small act. It is a simple piece of bread with either wine or grape juice, but it is extremely complex. Paul urged that people understand that only believers in Jesus Christ take it, and those believers must examine their hearts thoroughly beforehand. This examination is what I’ve come to be so incredibly thankful for.

There are many things in this Christian walk that can be turned on auto-pilot if we’re not careful. We can complete our Bible study “homework” just to show that we made time for it. We can pray before we go to bed without any actual attempt to mean what we say and communicate with our Heavenly Father. We can teach our kids that Jesus loves them just because it’s the first song that comes to mind. I suppose someone could auto-pilot the Lord ’s Supper, but I sure can’t. Many believers I’ve talked to about it feel the same way.

There are often times I dread it. I know the minute I see the shiny plates that my heart is not where it should be. I know that I’ve been horrible to my husband that morning. I know I’ve been inpatient with my son. I’ve judged others in my heart, and I am so incredibly unworthy of the God I serve and the blessings I’ve been given. I’ve put on a front already at some point in the day even if church service and Bible study are in the morning.

Although I know that I can go to God with anything at any time, I don’t. However, I am drawn to His presence if I plan on partaking in this small symbolic meal. I can’t put it off like I so often do.

You think He planned it this way? I’m sure He did, and I’m so very thankful. Our God is not a God about religion or traditions or rituals. He is a God of mercy, grace, forgiveness, and discipline. He gave us some things that we should do that are both for our own benefit and for His greater glory. It took me years to see that breaking the bread that is His body and taking the cup that is His blood is both our benefit and for His glory. That is the beauty of communion.