If we refuse to judge ourselves, the Word tells us, then God will undertake the task. But St. Paul adds that God does this so that we will not be condemned with the world. Judgment begins, Scripture tells us, with the household of God. Chastening begins with us so that it might not be the end of us.
This is why we are to consider our hearts as we assemble around this Table. But as we consider our hearts, we must always take care not to abandon the standard of evaluation which God gives to us. That standard is the gospel. If you look to yourself apart from the gospel, all you will find is trouble and spiritual turmoil. So examine yourself, as Scripture does require, but if you ever examine yourself apart from reference to Christ, the examination will be a pretty dismal business, and will have sorry results.
And this is why we exhort you to look away as you come to the Table. Christ is on the cross. Look in hope. Christ has risen. Look up. Christ is on the throne. Look around. Christ is in Your brother. Look, take and eat.