EATING AND DRINKING CONDEMNATION

by Richard Chowning

The Importance of the Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper should strengthen Christians. The memory of the Lord Jesus Christ is source of praise, inspiration and dedication. It is a spiritual feast. But not all are blessed when they eat. Each Sunday thousands of Christians are condemned for partaking.

They are not condemned for using of some improper form or words. They are condemned because they do not "remember the body of the Lord" (I Cor. 11:29). The Lord's Supper is a matter of the heart - the heart of man and God. What a Christian thinks during the feast is all important.

The Lord knew it was easy not to focus - to loose the constant remembrance of Him. He asked His followers to renew their remembrance when they ate the bread and drank the fruit of the vine. While Christians work, talk and play they often loose focus on the Lord. Other matters become more important. They do not think about Him. The Lord's Supper is a special, sacred time to meditate, to concentrate - to refocus on the Lord.

In this special time, if thoughts are not on the Lord, there is a "judgment", a "condemnation".

The Kipsigis and the Lord's Supper

The Christians of the Kipsigis tribe in Africa understand the seriousness of the Supper. They refuse to eat the Lord's Supper if they have an unresolved argument with a Christian or were involved in some shady barter. These problems make it difficult for them to focus on the body and blood of Christ. And they are convinced unfocused participation will bring harm.

Americans and the Lord's Supper

American churches have tried many material prompts to set a mood for the Lord's Supper. They place candles in window sills, the flickering lights illuminate stained glass windows. In liturgical tones, they read passages about the death of Christ.

Observances of the Lord's Supper

Observances of the Lord's Supper can, in fact must, be fresh and inspiring. Christians must become embarrassed in the face of the flagrant, nonfocused eating and drinking. They must face up to the problem and find a solution. "If we judged ourselves, we would not come under the judgment" (I Cor. 11:31). The best way to focus is to have a wholesome regular relationship with the Lord and brethren. When sin or hard feelings intrude, repentance should be quick.

A directed period of prayer and confession prior to the Lord's Supper would help brethren focus. Where there is not such directed period the Christians ought to begin their meditation at the Supper with private confession. Those selected to lead the congregation in the Lord's Supper must take their responsibility seriously. Repetitive scripture readings and memorized prayers cause the congregation to slight the Supper. Those leading the congregation should spent time at home in prayer and preparation in order to inspire the congregation to "remember the body of the Lord."

Making the Feast Fresh

There are many ways to make the feast fresh. Introspection is often inspiring. The leader can confess occasions personal laxness in partaking. He could share with the congregation what he most often thinks about when he is focused during the supper. What specifics does he remember when he remembers the Lord.

The leader should meditate at home on the gospel accounts of Jesus' birth death and resurrection. These passages reveal insights that can inspire a congregation. The following questions should be asked while reading. Why is the passage worth remembering? If it is remembered what can it do for the Christian? Does it relate more to the loaf or to the cup?

Recalling the circumstance around memorable communion services can cause the congregation to focus. Memories inspire. What were the circumstances? What did were the emotions? The leader may remember the first time he ate the Supper. The first communion service after the death of a loved one may have been memorable. Share it.

Pastors and elders need to periodically challenge those who stand before the table to be creative and serious when leading the congregation. Those who lead well should instruct the group how to prepare for leading the Supper. It is not only the leaders' responsibility to make the Lord's Supper meaningful.

Members of the Church

Each member should be an example to those around him during the sacred feast. This is not the time for pretense, but Christians should look as though they are "remembering the Lord." Rustling with a program or correcting children can be distracting. When one Christian is unfocused he should be able to look at his brothers and be reminded that he needs to focus himself on the Lord. Failure to set the right tone or example for partaking in the Lord's Supper can cause many to "eat and drink condemnation." Causing Christians to focus leads to a fellowship of blessing.