I have made it a practice of waiting when at dinner with a group. When the meal is being served, I am not looking to quickly jump into my meal. I will simply wait for everyone in the party to receive their order prior to digging in myself. I am not sure where it was exactly that I learned this, but I see it as an act of respect because why should I be enjoying my meal when others are still waiting.
“33So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—34if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment…” – 1 Corinthians 11:33-34 (ESV)
Paul is referring to our taking of The Lord’s Supper here, and we should have/be examining ourselves and not concerned with the actions of others. We should not come to The Lord’s Supper to get full, but to fellowship with other Christians. It is difficult to fellowship when there is judgment in the air.
Waiting on others to eat may seem trivial, however how do you feel when someone goes ahead of you when you started together. I used to walk in to the hair salon and get on the list, only to find that I was the only one there and happened to be 4th on the list. Just about the time I was to be called, the other 3 would walk in and go ahead of me and I was left to continue waiting. I would begin all of the thoughts of fairness and cast judgment on them. Then I realized that I too had the ability to get on the list from home and now I walk in understanding where I am in line, with no more judgment on my part. But the judgment is still there as others see me walk in and go ahead of them.
Paul is wanting me to do my business at home so as to remove the judgment and just enjoy the company and fellowship. If I am hungry, my focus will be on the meal and if others are hungry, their focus is on the meal. What if we all were at the same place and were able to just enjoy each other? What if I were able to just simply meet with and engage with others?
Waiting for one another provides me the opportunity to engage and fellowship without judgment. I and they are able to enjoy each other’s company without the thoughts of they have and I have not.
When you are in situations, are you conscious of others? How do you act at dinner with a group? What actions can you take to wait for one another next time?
Trevor's Thoughts 