Take a Good Look at Yourself

Written By Betty Predmore

1 CORINTHIANS 11:17-34

(August 18)

Self-examination is not always a pleasant thing. Often, we are faced with shortcomings that we would much prefer to pretend did not exist. Many will do anything to not have to admit their faults, or what they have done against someone else. Excuses are made, justifications are spoken, and nothing gets resolved in the eyes of God.

My motto for life is simple ... "If you have to JUSTIFY an action or words spoken, then you probably shouldn't be doing or saying it." This keeps me out of trouble. (At least a little bit.)

Paul speaks to the believers of the church in Corinth today about the way they are gathering to partake of the Lord's Supper. He is not pleased with their actions and refuses to praise them.

The Lord's Supper was first held when Jesus called his disciples together on the night of the Passover meal. (Luke 22: 13-20) Previously the Passover had celebrated the Israelites' freedom from Egyptian slavery. The Lord's Supper celebrates deliverance from sin because of the death of Jesus. This celebration is an important part of Christian worship, and we can gain much spiritual strength from the Holy Spirit during this time.

If you recall, God was only approachable in the old covenant if you went through a priest and the process of sacrifice. But when Jesus took on our sins and died on the cross, this brought about a new covenant. Now individuals can approach God on their own and have their own intimate communication with him.

This new covenant completes the old one, fulfilling everything the old covenant looked forward to. Eating the bread and drinking the cup is a symbol of the remembrance of Christ's death for us and our sins, and a renewed commitment to serve him.

Paul had noticed that the Corinthians had taken this serious and important event in the Christian faith and turned it into a "party" of sorts. They showed little interest in the acts associated with the Lord's Supper. Instead, their focus was on dividing up into little cliques, ignoring those in need, and partying like it was 1999.

These social divisions, rich separated from poor, popular from unpopular, were offenses against the body of Christ. They contradicted the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice as well as the spirit in which it was made.

We are supposed to approach Jesus with clean hearts, devoid of any offenses, resentments, or sins. It is a serious time of repentance and forgiveness.

But when all you can think of is the good time, and you don't invite everyone to the party, you stand in offense to Jesus. Paul urged the believers to examine themselves, to take a good look at their own shortcomings and repent before partaking of such a serious process as the Lord's Supper. To not do so would bring judgement upon yourself.

Basically, it is spelled out this way ... either YOU judge YOURSELF and turn away from the wickedness that you find, or God will judge you HIMSELF. I don't know about you, friends, but I would rather take a good look at myself and get rid of the yuck than have God make that judgement against me.

That sounds like a real party pooper!

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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