Much of the world is preoccupied with making money, friends and fame. However good their achievements, 'It is the presentation which counts', they say. It is easy to carry that principle into the Christian life; play-acting holiness and worship ... like the Pharisees who earned Jesus' disgust (Matthew 23:27-28). They could not see themselves as God sees them because they did not listen to the Spirit of God.
 
But the Spirit comes to live within everybody who belongs to Jesus (Romans 8:9). He enables us to discern what we are like. He teaches us how to live like Jesus (John 16:12-15). When we fail, He brings conviction of sin, the desire to repent and to be different (John 16:8-11). His rebuke is a necessary part of being made a trustworthy disciple of Jesus, setting a clear course for heaven.
 
Paul's comments came at the end of his concern for the way in which the church in Corinth treated the Lord's Supper. Their behaviour proved that they were not remembering Jesus; and their lack of consideration for others proved that they had no understanding of the privilege of being a part of the body of Christ. Paul reminded them of the ill health and premature deaths in the church (1 Corinthians 11:29-30): it is God and not us who has authority over every life. Therefore each believer should examine themselves with the Spirit's help as they come to communion, and make whatever changes are necessary.
 
Our attitude to the Lord's Supper says a lot about us spiritually. It reveals how much we honour Jesus and His people. The true believers will take the opportunity to examine themselves and ask the Holy Spirit to point out any offensive behaviour (Psalm 139:24). They will be as eager to confess sin and seek His mercy, as to praise the Lord for His grace and forgiveness; and they are eager to be taught how best to please the Lord. May the Lord grant us the humility to examine ourselves against His Word, responding to His sacrifice for our sin with thanksgiving and willing service in His Body.