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I Corinthians 11:17-22, In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!

This chapter begins to speak about the community at worship.  The first part of the chapter had to do with head coverings.  I didn't choose that for our main focus today but I do think it is worth a brief mention.  Paul implores the women to cover their heads and the men not to cover their heads.  This is confusing to us in a time and place in which head coverings serve an entirely different purpose (typically shade from the sun, warmth, or an accessory).  But in ancient Greek and Roman culture, the main difference between a man and woman's attire was that women covered their head with a scarf-like material.  The only women who did not do this were high class mistresses, slaves, prostitutes, and pagan prophetesses.  Thus, when the women didn't wear their head covering or it fell off in the movement of worship, it was a significant distraction.  In a highly patriarchal culture, it definitely sent the wrong signal, one that Paul really didn't want these women to send.

Then there was the whole issue of Holy Communion.  In our focus verses, Paul has some strong words for the Corinthians.  He says their meetings are doing more harm than good.  Basically, some of the wealthier members were eating first in private meals, consuming all the bread and wine, and leaving none for the poorer members.  It was gluttony and arrogance at its worst.  Those who had least were totally left out of that aspect of worship. 

I think about the Scripture in Acts 2 when the early church, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, sold property and possessions to ensure that there was no need among them.  They ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God.  Somehow, the Corinthian church failed to understand what it meant to be the church.  It truly is amazing how Paul perseveres, continues to love and teach them, continues to pray that they seek the Holy Spirit in their fellowship. 

As I write those words, I think about how it's amazing how God perseveres with all of us, continues to love and teach us, continues to pursue us even when we are arrogant, selfish, and uncaring.  I can read about the Corinthian church and be totally disgusted by their actions but I'm totally disillusioned if I think that we, that I, am all that different.

Let's pray...Dear God, How we need you!  On our own, we slip into an attitude of pride, arrogance, selfishness, and fear. We need your constant reminder to do better, to be the people you have called us to be.  Lord, we yearn to be filled with your Spirit so that we can look more like Jesus.  We need you desperately.  Help us live in a way that brings you glory, that demonstrates love, sacrifice, generosity, and kindness in all we do.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.