1 Corinthians 11:19-22
As I return home to the states from spending 10 days in Germany, I am reminded of how truly blessed we are to live in America. However, I was also reminded of how we can be entitled without even really trying. We take things for granted that are truly a blessing to have. I saw in action multiple nations and languages come together to worship and bring glory to our Savior Jesus Christ.
As I look into today’s passage, I see a troubling problem being called out by Paul. We must understand that the Church of Corinth was gathering together but their gatherings were being taken over by division, selfishness, and some could even say disregard for one another. We see in the passage that some had plenty to eat while others went hungry. Paul calls the church out in verse 20 by saying:
“So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat”
Yes, the church was gathering together but not for the right reasons! We too need to be aware and understand that as believers in Christ Jesus we are called to gather together to worship our savior! Church is not just a social club where we network and hang out. Church is meant for a place of worship, encouragement, and growth. Fellowship is more than sitting in the same room. It's loving, serving, honoring, and caring for one another. Some of the Corinthians were eating their own meals while others had nothing. The problem wasn't simply food; it was lack of love for others. So, I ask you what do you get out of church? Are you seeking social over spiritual growth? Are we more focused on what we are getting out of church than how we can be the church? A church that is loving and ready to serve one another?
While in Germany we studied Jesus’ final words to the disciples and how Jesus spoke to them about loving one another and serving. Jesus shows the example of washing the disciples’ feet. It's easy to stay in our close groups and not stretch ourselves outside of our comfort zone. But I was able to witness how God can use anything and everything if we are willing to put our selfishness aside and lay everything we have down for the sake of the gospel. Let us be reminded that we are the church! Let us go, share, and love on the lost and fellow believers for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
As I look into today’s passage, I see a troubling problem being called out by Paul. We must understand that the Church of Corinth was gathering together but their gatherings were being taken over by division, selfishness, and some could even say disregard for one another. We see in the passage that some had plenty to eat while others went hungry. Paul calls the church out in verse 20 by saying:
“So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat”
Yes, the church was gathering together but not for the right reasons! We too need to be aware and understand that as believers in Christ Jesus we are called to gather together to worship our savior! Church is not just a social club where we network and hang out. Church is meant for a place of worship, encouragement, and growth. Fellowship is more than sitting in the same room. It's loving, serving, honoring, and caring for one another. Some of the Corinthians were eating their own meals while others had nothing. The problem wasn't simply food; it was lack of love for others. So, I ask you what do you get out of church? Are you seeking social over spiritual growth? Are we more focused on what we are getting out of church than how we can be the church? A church that is loving and ready to serve one another?
While in Germany we studied Jesus’ final words to the disciples and how Jesus spoke to them about loving one another and serving. Jesus shows the example of washing the disciples’ feet. It's easy to stay in our close groups and not stretch ourselves outside of our comfort zone. But I was able to witness how God can use anything and everything if we are willing to put our selfishness aside and lay everything we have down for the sake of the gospel. Let us be reminded that we are the church! Let us go, share, and love on the lost and fellow believers for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Posted in Devotional