Jump Start # 1734

1 Corinthians 11:17 “But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.”

  Our verse today begins a series of valuable instructions about the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper brings us all together. It makes us all knee before the cross and realize that each of us need the saving blood of Jesus Christ. God wanted His people to remember the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It was the theme of those early sermons. It has the message that changed the world. And it was a memorial that was to bring us together, both literally, and symbolically, each first day of the week.

But somehow, the Corinthian ugliness and divisive spirit even trickled into the Lord’s Supper. They messed that up. Some were eating it like pigs and others were not getting any. The memorial had become yet another occasion to splinter hearts that were not united. In most places today, folks would leave. It would be enough to cause a church split. Fingers would be pointed at each other, stuff would be said that probably shouldn’t be, tempers would flare, and that would be it. Some would leave. That didn’t seem to happen in Corinth. When Paul writes 2 Corinthians, he writes one letter, not two. It appears that wisdom prevailed and apostolic instructions were followed. I wish we could do that today!

There are some lessons we see here:

First, it is possible for a worship service to be counter productive. Instead of praising God and encouraging one another, God can be shamed and the worship ruined by bad attitudes and hateful hearts.

Second, something that is good and right, such as the Lord’s Supper, can be misused and abused if not given the proper attention with the right motives. The same can be said of singing, or, even preaching. Those things are good and right, but they sure can be distorted.

Third, when we come together, it’s not only for God and ourselves, but it is also for others. If it wasn’t, then why even come together. Why not just stay at home if my only concern is God and self. I must be thoughtful of the “others.” It’s not just me. My attitude, my cooperation, my heart will either be open to others or it will be the cause of hurt feelings and trouble. So, I must think of others, not just myself.

This thought will hasten me not to be disruptive by being late all the time. There are times you can’t help being late. Emergencies at home, traffic on the road, someone can’t find something, there are days like that. But for some families, it seems to be every day. All the time. Always late. The getting in, getting settled, causes commotion and disrupts the class or the worship around you. Be mindful of others. Get to bed earlier. Get up earlier. Find what you need before you get to bed. Make sure the car is gassed up. You’re heading to worship, so get there.

Fourth, it is possible that we leave worship worse than when we came. I’ve experienced this. Tense feelings spill over and our minds lose focus of God and we start thinking about the problems, the people involved and worship becomes more of a battle ground than a safe haven for our souls. Thankfully, I’ve never been in a real military battle before. I don’t think I would do well. I’ve known dozens and dozens who have. To stay alive in a battle, you must be alert, sharp and always watching. It’s not a peaceful moment. It’s not relaxing. Everyone is on edge. It’s not like the video games, not real war. Worship should not be like this. We get beat up everyday in the world. We need each other for comfort, encouragement and help. Yet, if things are not right, worship can be just another battle that we must engage in and endure. The trauma of an unhealthy worship can leave us battered, bruised and worse off than when we came. This is the very reason why some stop coming and others begin looking for another congregation. Why “go to church,” when it takes all week to get over the experience.

Fifth, as ugly and as bad as these problems can be, they can be fixed, if the right hearts and the wisdom of God prevails. We can do better, is the spirit that will bring about change. It doesn’t have to be this way. Change is hard. Change involves someone taking charge and leading souls back to God. It involves reminding what we are supposed to do. Herein, lies yet another problem. It’s easier to point fingers and leave than to stay and make things better. “Why should I,” is too often the response, when the exit above the door seems to be the best option. Why? Because your leaving doesn’t help. Your leaving only discourages others. Your leaving indicates that  you have given up. Stay in there and lead the charge with a Bible in your hand. Read and repeat what God wants. Remind others who we are. Be the first to forgive. Put aside your personal feelings and see the big picture.

It is interesting how folks in the world can sometimes do things better than those in the church. The election is over. Trump will be the new president. He is interviewing people to fill various positions in his administration. Many of those he is talking to were harsh critics of him. They said some mean things about him. Some didn’t even vote for him. Yet, he sees beyond that to the qualities that they have that would help his administration. The media won’t stand for this. They are making a big deal and reminding us of the ugly things that were said during the campaign. There is a lesson for us. Can we move on together after things have been said? Can we see the bigger picture and the good that each person brings or are we destined to always remember the ugly things that were said? Can we forgive? Can we move on together?

Maybe this is why Jesus told the disciples to become like children. Kids fuss at each other. They want the toy that the other one has. They cry. They get mad. Yet, an hour later, they are sitting together, laughing and playing. Adults can’t do that. We remember. We can’t move past what was said and done. To be like a child would help us.

Our coming together ought to be for the better. That’s the principle and that’s the goal. We ought to leave refreshed, encouraged and challenged. We ought to be better after worship than before. There is a goodness to be found in worship. We need that. That pulls us together. That helps us become a better people. It’s more than smiles and hugs, although those help, it’s the deeper connections. It’s the bond we have in Christ. It’s the goal we have as a church. It’s being that one mind, one heart, and one voice. It’s the spirit that says we are all in this together. It’s the heart that loves those people and loves God. It’s an understanding that this is my family, my church family. Love them. Pray for them. Support them. Defend them. Encourage them. Work with them. And never give up on them.

Do you think about your church family much during the week? Do you ever just pause and pray for some of them? How about the leaders? How about your preacher? How about those busy deacons? How about the teens? How about the young mothers? How about the senior saints? A lot of folks. A lot of history. A lot of love.

Across the landscape today, we are witnessing two things happening among God’s people. In some places, things are the best that they have ever been. Attendance, spirit, vision and opportunities are as great as they have ever been. Some places are adding on. Some places are appointing more elders. Good things are happening. But sadly, we are also witnessing in many places the death of some congregations. Things are stale and dying. Folks are leaving. Some congregations seem to be drifting without any direction. Leaders are resigning. Preachers are leaving. Some places are considering closing the doors for good.

Why is it that some are doing so well and others are doing so poorly? Many factors, from leadership, vision, spirit, to even what we’ve talked about today, worship. Satan wants all of us to become discouraged and for all congregations to close their doors. We must not allow that to happen.

Roger