Ritual Snares

(Proverbs 20:25 KJV)  It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

When was the last time you took communion?  When we participate in the Lord’s Supper we are repeating our “vows” (5088).  The concern here is that we go through so many actions that are designed to help us grow in grace and we blow them off.  What did Paul tell us?

(1 Corinthians 11:27-29 KJV)  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

Think of other rituals that you might participate in.  Do you sing the Doxology?  Do you join in the Lord’s Prayer?  Do you give out an “Amen” or a “Praise the Lord”? 

This is one reason I like to use the time before worship preparing my heart instead of chattering with my friends.

So?  Take your worship seriously.  God does.