Examine Yourself Before Taking Communion
A brother recently gave me this list that is worthwhile to consider before taking the Lord’s Supper or Communion. DW
Words and Relationships
1. Do I use words or have any relationships that fail to hallow God’s Name or hinder His kingdom?
2. Do I fail to revere God in some of my words and relationships?
3. Have I spoken words that are critical, harsh or unkind? Do I often seem to offend others or hurt their feelings?
4. Have I exaggerated, overstated or lied in any of my words?
5. Do I use God’s name in any way other then prayer, praise or godly discussions? Have I at any time used words that are crude or unclean?
6. Do I tend to spout off opinions before I pray or even hear all the facts?
7. Have I committed any form of gossip, innuendo or slander? Have I spoken against people behind their backs?
8. Have I spoken words that are critical, negative and discouraging to others?
9. Is there anyone I have offended yet I have ignored God’s clear command to ask forgiveness and seek reconciliation? If you have neglected to address strained relationships, you are utterly out of fellowship with God. (Matthew 5:23-24) According to Scriptures, your prayers and power are seriously blocked!
10. Is there anyone against whom I still harbor the slightest anger or grudge? It is vital to realize your prayers and fellowship are blocked by any unforgiveness in your heart.
11. Do I have any relationships that are questionable or have the “appearance of evil?” Are some of my relationships improper? Do I have any conversations or rendezvous I wouldn’t want my spouse, parents or friends to know about (either in person, by Internet or phone?)
12. As a husband, am I acting as a faithful spiritual head of my home? As a wife, am I honoring God in my role as helpmate? Have I in any way dishonored or neglected my parents?
13. Have I been a part of any unresolved anger or division in my church? Have I waited on others to make the first move towards peace and love?
14. Do I disobey God’s command by showing little respect or reverence for those who lead my church?
15. Have I quenched God’s Spirit by placing my own personal preferences ahead of others in issues like worship or church policy? Have I made a big deal about petty issues such as sitting in a particular place, the location of my classroom or other matters equally small?
16. Have I exhibited pettiness by continual complaining and fault finding toward my church?
17. Would other church members mostly describe me as mature, loving, positive and faith-filled or somewhat complaining, divisive, quick-tempered and negative? In God’s eyes, little could be worse than being known as divisive, unkind and negative!
Sins of Commission and Omission
1. Am I more concerned about my comfort and desires than exalting the Name and Kingdom of God?
2. Have I committed idolatry by placing anyone or anything above God and kingdom service?
3. Do I commit sins of immorality by actions, thoughts or the things I view? (TV, movies, Internet, improper books, etc.)
4. Do I continue any habits that I know are wrong? (Gambling, places I frequent, or things that harm my body, etc.)
5. Have I said things that are harsh, unclean, or irreverent?
6. Do I waste time on things that should never take precedence over church or family? In other words, do I find time for everything except meaningful service to God?
7. Have I neglected significant regular time in God’s Word and prayer? In my typical day, do I make time for most everything except time with God? Have I settled for brief, casual devotions instead of fervent, God-seeking intercession?
8. Do I fail to abide in Christ by neglecting to let Him regularly examine my heart in deep cleansing?
9. Am I robbing God by failing to give offerings and help the poor?
Thank you all for your comments. I’m glad this list is helpful to you.
Nice list. Very inward focused and that is what you need at communion time. It would be good to print out a copy and stick it in your Bible. Then during the communion message you could refer to it.
Thank you for sharing this. It is very helpful.
Thanks for this list, I think I should print it out and review it every Sunday.
I actually do take communion seriously and have passed on taking it because I wasn’t resolved with a brother (had anger towards them).
I forget that being reverent towards church leaders is important. And making fervent God seeking intercession.. Well I better go take care of that one now. Peace…