Pietistic Virtue Signaling Number 2: “I Sup at the Lord's Table More Than You! "

What verses are applicable to the question of the frequency of administering the Lord’s supper? There are not that many:

• Jesus' Institution of Communion: In the Gospels, Jesus initiates the practice of communion (or the Lord’s Supper) at the Last Supper. In Luke 22:19, Our Lord says, "Do this in remembrance of me," but does not specify how often. In short, beautiful as this passage is, we are only commanded to observe the practice. We are not commanded or instructed in regards to its frequency.
• Early Church Practices:¹ Acts 2:42 and 2:46 describe the early Christians as regularly gathering to break bread and share in fellowship. Many, throughout church history, have debated whether “breaking of bread” refers to the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, ordinary Christian fellowship over a meal, or a mixture of both. There is no consensus, and anyone who claims these verses unambiguously support their position is simply wrong.
• Paul's Instructions: In 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 we read, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” The word "whenever" suggests flexibility in frequency, apparently leaving it to the discretion of each church. Of the three references here, this one is the strongest in support of a position—namely the position that we are neither commanded to celebrate the Lord’s Supper every time we assemble, nor are we forbidden to do so.

It is a liberty issue that almost aways, at the risk of over-simplifying, comes down to two positions, neither of which can be confirmed by scripture:

1. It is an important sacrament/ordinance, and an unspeakable privilege. We should partake every chance we get.
2. It is an important sacrament/ordinance, and an unspeakable privilege. We should partake sparingly to prevent it from becoming routine.

In my opinion both positions are fine, and the choice falls under the umbrella of Christian Liberty. But only one position (the first one) is ripe for pietistic virtue signaling. I have heard and read many times pastors and congregants say some variant of “of course we celebrate the Lord’s Supper every time we assemble. Why would you not want to?” Given that their practice is not commanded, it is pretty clear that they are claiming the pietistic high ground. I suppose the second position could be a basis for virtue signaling—but I have never heard it used that way.

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¹ I am always surprised how everyone cherry-picks early church practice ² as if those assemblies were the gold standard, when in fact scripture tells us that, for the most part, they were a mess.
² For example, people fighting Baptism Wars often refer to the Didache for early church support. But they always seem (coveniently) to ignore the part where it recommends using cold water for baptism.