Examine yourselves.

Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. - 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

Years ago, shortly after I started Christian university in Tennessee I met my first real older mentor. His name was Haynes Watson and his wife was Martha. There were from the northeast corner of Tennessee and were as country as grits and cornbread. We called them, like everyone else, Preacher and Granny. I have so many fond memories of them. He was a country boy, but a full of wisdom that comes from being country. One of his phrases, and I am sure it was not really us, was 'keep short accounts with God.'

I think about that virtually every time I come to the Table. When we come we are challenged to examine ourselves. It would be so much easier if it said 'examine those sitting around you' or ‘examine the pastor' or 'examine the guys helping with the serving of the table.'  But no, it says 'examine himself.'

When we come to the Table it is incumbent on us to take these words to heart. God actually says here that to eat and drink of the Table in an unworthy manner is to invite God's chastening.

However if we take the time to examine and judge ourselves there will be no need for judgement and chastening. We have our shot at the table to keep short accounts with God.

If we take the Table lightly I don't think it is out of place to say that we are just asking for trouble.