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 The
Corinthians used the time of assembling (“when ye come
together in the church” or “congregation” fn, AS, 1 Cor.
11:17-22) to satisfy their personal appetite. The thing done was
out of place (“have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?”)
and their inconsideration for others compounded the error. I
think I have seen the same error committed, repeatedly, in
present day assemblies — with not a morsel of food in sight.
“One
is hungry, and another is drunken.” Some say the word “drunken”
does not necessarily mean intoxicated but rather “having
partaken”. In either case, it shows inconsideration for a
brother or sister in Christ, and this is my point. Repeatedly I
have stood at the back of a building. just before worship, and
have been able to “spot” those who are hungry for
association and attention — while inconsiderate brethren enjoy
a last - minute social visit, and then settle at one another’s
side for worship. With the closing “amen!” these brethren
resume their visits with close friends, and the “hungry”
ones, no part of the “inner circle”, gather their belongings
and slip quietly and sadly away.
Some
reply, “We are assembled to worship God, not for social
visits. These people should be satisfied with the purely “Christian”
fellowship.” Well, that is all they are getting, and if they
come again it would seem they find it satisfying. I wonder how
many of the “visiting” circle would continue to come if they
were given such limited personal reception. And, are we not
assuming that friendly conversation with these lonely ones must
be of a purely social
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nature? If we have so much in common IN
CHRIST, is there no place for conversation relative to spiritual
matters?
Let
us not deceive ourselves. We are the ones who are feeding on
personal and social association. I am aware that all public
gatherings have some social aspects; and often the “separate”
ones are poorly orientated to society — they separate
themselves and hurry from, the building, or huddle in a corner
with little to say. If we act selfishly, love only the lovely,
we will pass them by for social contacts more to our taste.
Perhaps this sort of selfishness caused the Corinthians to seek
so—called social and economic equals, and “take before other
his own supper.” It may also have moved James to write. “Have
not the faith... with respect of persons.” (Read Jas. 2: 1-f)
When
we gather to worship God what better time could we find to practice
unselfish love and regard for all the saints. Here is a new
convert, in new and different surroundings, embarrassed,
uncertain, feeling alone. You may, indirectly, save a soul from
drifting and death by simply sitting next to this person,
showing genuine sympathy and concern, making him or her feel
truly a part of this church. A formal handshake and “Welcome!”
at the time of their baptism is NOT enough.
“Finally,
be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as
brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. ..“ (1 Pet. 3: 8-f) Think
awhile!
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