For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. (1 Cor. 11:29)
A top employee at work is retiring, and his job will soon be available. Will they offer it to you, or did your employers notice the times that you neglected to exhibit the best team effort or cut corners on that last project or two? If only you had continued to work as you did when you were first hired—excited about the new opportunity and mindful of the expectations.
The writer of 1 Corinthians could relate; he strongly reminded the Corinthians that by pursuing their natural inclinations and thinking of themselves rather than the team of believers, they were relinquishing their standing in the body. They were acting as if they did not have the inner transformation the death of Christ provided.
The cross makes unity possible; otherwise, we would all be egotistical and self-serving. Your acts proclaim your heart and can harm others as well as yourself. The ritual of the celebration of the Last Supper, as Jesus said of the bread and the cup, is “for you.” Paul emphasized that a Christian community owed its very existence to this act. As an employee will be judged on performance and may be passed over for advancement, a Christian will bring judgment on himself by not living in close relationship with God, guided by his will and the Word.
Show that you have been changed by the gift you’ve been given.
Susan Gordon is a wife, mom, and grammie who recently received her master’s degree at age 69. She enjoys art, photography, being active, and creation.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
