I thank God for traditions. Some are national and turn into holidays such as the celebration of the 4th of July celebrating our independence or Thanksgiving honoring God’s blessings upon us. Other important traditions that we honor as families are Mother’s day and Father’s day giving honor to those who bore, raised, fed, clothed and gave us direction in life. Traditions can be very great and important to our culture and families.
As long as traditions are adding to and not taking away from who we are and to our national identity and relationship with God, they continue to be a blessing.
Sometimes traditions can rob us. They can block the way to our future and blind us of possibilities. Some have said if God had wanted us to fly He would have given us wings. Some go to church because it is a tradition handed down from generations before. Going to church is a good and a proud tradition in our culture and we all need to honor it. However, if going to church is merely for traditions sake, we have missed the whole purpose. Going to church should be so we can be spiritually fed and leave a stronger person. Going to church should be to draw closer to God and give Him honor and praise for who He is and for what He has done. If we are not careful we can be so wrapped up in tradition that we forget why the tradition began in the first place and what its benefits are.
Years ago the big day dinner on the ground held by local churches was a spiritual and a social event. Boys came to meet girls, some came to get their belly full and some came just for the fellowship and to see friends and loved ones they hadn’t seen since last year. However, the real purpose behind it was to draw the community closer to God and have a day of rejoicing and good times. There was always good singing and good preaching reaching out to those who were sinners and on their way to hell. Often times, denominational lines were forgotten and people just came together.
As the years continue to roll by many have forgotten what the Bible has to say and have simply pursued what appealed to their appetite or social inclinations and left God out of the picture. Sometimes we hear people say “our church don’t do it that way” or “that’s not the way we believe.” We all have the same Bible and the same Savior and the same Heavenly Father. That should draw us together not separate us because of what some action, inaction or personal understanding stands before us. Jesus said “….Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”
If Satan can get you to put tradition above the word of God, you are in trouble. Traditions can kill relationships. However, the Word of God also declares in 2Th 2:15 “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” The traditions that are honored by the Word of God need to be practices. Sometimes the traditions set forth by men need to be laid aside. If tradition builds your relationship with God and man, it should be honored. If it places you in bondage with no real spiritual significance it may (not always) but it may be harmful or detrimental to you. We have God’s Word to guide us in such matters.
Maranatha!
