“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28 ESV
Reflection: when and how do you reflect on yourself?
In most modern cars, a warning light comes on when another car approaches on either side, into the area where they are difficult to see. Into what is known as the car’s “blind spot”. Say you are in traffic on a multi lane road, and you want to change lanes. You can look in the mirrors, turn your head, but for a split second an approaching car is basically invisible. And if you make a decision, right at that point to change lanes, you might run into the approaching car. A very dangerous situation. If you have drive different cars, you know that the size of this “blind area” varies. Some cars have a pretty large blind spot.
Interestingly, this is not that unlike people. While we all have some blind spots, some people have a much larger blind spot than others. What I mean, is that some people “change lanes”, using the car analogy, without much regard for the traffic around them. With little regard for how their behavior is impacting others. And they can cause a lot of damage, even a pileup, and then blame others for it. Now, the person who understands themselves better, have learned that they have some blind spots. They have been told by others whether it is by family, friends or colleagues. Perhaps even a random person. And, after examining themselves, have determined that these areas were blind to them. But this is where family and friends can also be very helpful, to be the warning signal.
In the focus verses today, Paul talks about the need to examine ourselves before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. So what does he mean here? Paul is in the middle of giving the church instructions about how to properly conduct meetings together, especially the Lord’s Supper. But then he adds the importance for each member to understanding what they are doing, what they are actually partaking in. That it is done in a worthy manner. “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 ESV. Why is this important?
In the partaking of the Lord’s Supper, we really are partaking in Christ, in his body, and in his blood; in the new covenant. Proclaiming that we are one with Christ; and one body as believers. If we are coming with an unrepentant heart, with anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, or whatever, Paul continues, “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 ESV.
Self examination and then repentance is therefore a critical part of being part of Christ body, the church, and the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Now, as you self examine today, perhaps you also want to ask your family, friends or even others if you have some blind spots that you should address, before coming to the table.