TRADITIONS CAN SNUFF OUT LIFE

How many times have you heard the expression, "We've always done it this way?"  I've actually heard some professing Christians say, "I don't care what the Bible says, I'm going to do it my way."

The reality is so many believers are stuck in their traditions that they believe their way of doing things is the only right way.  It seems the old ways are deeply ingrained with most Christians.  Just try to bring a little freedom and liberty into their lives, based on Scripture mind you, and they dig their feet in.  I'm convinced that tradition will snuff the very life out of believers and thereby the church.

It's hard to let go of our traditions and our old ways of doing things.  However, we must completely rethink the way we've understood and experienced church if we, as believers, are to reach our full God-given potential.  

Rethink the way we understand and experience church????  I can hear some now questioning my sanity or even my salvation.   Yet, so much of our present understanding and experiences of church have absolutely no basis in the Word of God.  Oh, we say we believe the Bible, yet when it comes to these traditions we hold on to them like they are gospel, when in reality they are man-made.  

Let's take a look at what Jesus had to say about traditions.

• Matthew 15:7-9  ...Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.  Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias (Isaiah) prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Those are strong words from the Savior.  We nullify God's Word because of our traditions!  I don't want that hanging over my head.  You see, it's not enough to act religious. It's not enough to study religion or even to study the Bible.  We must respond to God and have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Whether the traditions are church membership, the Lord's snack, staring at the back of someone else's head, watching a one man show or any other number of traditions churches have these days, don't allow so-called church traditions snuff the life out of you.  Jesus came to give life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).   God wants to give you life along with freedom and liberty in Him.  

Don't be guilty of merely acting religious.  Don't settle for merely acting religious.  Don't just honor God with your words, but rather honor Him with your life.  Flesh it out day by day hand in hand with Jesus.

Enjoy your walk with the Lord.  He has a great plan for your life.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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