Day 324, or November the 20th. You're not good
enough. Our thoughts today are from 1 Corinthians
11, verse 28. Everyone ought to examine themselves
before they eat of the bread and drink from the
cup. Now the big picture surrounding this verse.
A big issue in Paul's day was eating meat that
had been offered to idols in pagan temples. If
your religion was superficial, there was no problem
eating anything that had been used in a religious
ceremony, because you probably didn't believe
the principles of that religion anyway. However,
when you become committed to Christ, then pagan
sacrificial meat creates a problem. Paul basically
advises not to ask too many questions and just
eat it. If it's clearly declared as from a pagan
temple, then politely refuse to eat it. Paul's
first letter to the Corinthians includes that
lovely promise that we will never be tempted
beyond our ability to cope. Chapter 10, verse
13. He also includes what have become known as
the words of institution when you serve bread
and wine, often referred to as the Eucharist
or Communion. And now, today's action step. Doctors
often tell us that we need to examine our bodies
for signs that may warrant a visit to the surgery.
But Paul tells us in our verse today that we
are to examine our innermost self, our heart
and mind, as we prepare to take communion and
then thank him for the reconciling death of Jesus.
Sadly, many misread or misunderstand what Paul
is actually saying. He does not tell us to examine
ourselves and then, if our conscience is totally
clear and we sense we are acceptable before God,
then take communion. No, he tells us to examine
ourselves first and then proceed to take communion.
Taking communion is not a sign of being good
enough, it's a sign of being grateful enough.
As soon as you feel good enough, it's a sure
sign that you're not. Churches are the place
for those who need to be forgiven. They are not
the place where the better people gather.