Test of Goodness
Originally scheduled for
July 10
It's really very difficult to tell: after all during communion
most of us pray. There is likely to be soft, spiritual music
playing. It is therefore very easy to get by communion without the
slightest trace of commitment. It is also very easy to be mistaken
about whether your neighbor is doing that.
We are told to examine ourselves. We are not to examine the
person next to us, but we are to examine ourselves closely. Towards
that end let me ask you three questions:
·
Does this ritual act come from true faith? It is not be done because
it's the fashion, or we've always done it this way. Unless this act
springs from true faith in your heart, you're doing it wrong. It is
not just a little ceremonial dancing like you to go through; rather
it is a symbol of your commitment to him in true faith.
·
Do you do this in obedience to God's command? You have read the
Scriptures; do you then follow them? Do you remember our Lord
sacrifice on the cross; do you remember that the cup is symbolic of
his blood; do you remember that the bread is symbolic of his body?
·
Do you do this to the glory of God? If someone could see your true
heart right now, would they see someone who is thinking not about
his own image but about God's glory? Is your purpose in showing this
to others to promote your own holiness, or is it to magnify and
praise your God?
These tests are useful outside of communion also. If you think
your Christian life is beyond perfecting, try this set of questions.
The Father is seeking those who worship him in spirit and in truth.
Come to him in true faith, come to him in obedience and give him
glory. You will be surprised what will happen with you. For the Lord
God is a rewarder of those who seek him in truth; he rewards those
who are obedient to him and give him glory. Consider your ways, and
be sure that you take this communion in full heart.
