So then, my brothers, when you  come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give further directions (1 Corinthians 11:33-34).

Yesterday I said that the problem with the way the Corinthians were celebrating the Lord’s Supper was that they were focusing too much on the Supper and not enough on the Lord.

And here it is.

Apparently some were coming to the table like pigs to the trough, and defiling the sanctity of the moment.

Beloved, have you picked up yet on Paul’s concern for keeping Christ at the center of worship? It runs all through these passages. So while it may be amusing to imagine the Corinthians chowing down in porcine passion, we can’t miss the point here: We need to examine the way we approach the worship of our Lord.

Let’s try something, Beloved. This Sunday, as you prepare for and engage in the church service, pay attention to what you are doing–and why. Are you focused on Jesus, or are you looking to your own wants and comforts? Where do you sit? How do you engage in the worship music? Are you checking your phone during prayer?

Be present, Beloved. Be mindful of whom you serve.

Happy Friday.