Whose Traditions Do You Follow?

1 John 5:2–By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.  

Traditions? There’s a lot to be said for some traditions, like weddings for an example.

My husband and I attended our nephew’s wedding a couple of months ago. It was a lovely ceremony with traditional vows being promised and a kiss at the end solidifying their newfound status as a married couple.  The reception that followed was spectacular. And the cake cutting ceremony a delight to watch. Of course, the cake was decadent and delicious, chocolate my favorite! This tradition was a joy, and we were happy to be there in attendance.

But when a tradition/ordinance is taken out of context from the Bible, that is something entirely different. It becomes man’s ways, not God’s. Just as it states in 1 Corinthians 11:2 below.

1 Corinthians 11:2  I praise you that you keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

Divine tradition is teaching delivered from God through inspired men. Rather than opposing it, we must obey it as essential to our salvation.  The Word of God has been written through inspired men directly from God and a must for His children to be familiar with.

Spiritual guidance and discernment are gifts from God.  As the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we’re able to live a life of fulfillment, as we embrace His promises and receive them fully.

The Bible should be taught according to His Word.   The Word of God should not be subtracted or added to it. (Revelation 22:19)

Some individuals follow traditions adopted by “others” throughout the years. Some follow religious practices that aren’t found anywhere in God’s Word. They’re different and seemingly off track from what God has commanded us to do. Some may arbitrarily claim it’s okay what they’re following because they can’t find it stating otherwise in the Bible.  Or perhaps their church is preaching it.

Jeremiah 10:23 states that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Since we don’t think like God does, we can’t possibly know God’s will unless He reveals it. God reveals His will in His Word and He repeatedly warns us not to follow human wisdom. 

2 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Galatians 1:6-9  I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Galatians above is a specific and clear statement of warning, not to turn from the gospel, or the original Word.

The climate of the world today is inherently changed as evidenced by what we see and hear in the news and social media overall.  The events that proliferate before our eyes can be disturbing creating a source of apathy in some. The exposure to such graphic events- wars, murders, wicked behaviors, chaotic mayhem-in the streets can manifest into desensitizing of our human senses, thereby giving birth to acceptance of said events.

Voices may echo on the news stating that the Bible is from ages ago. Or that it doesn’t pertain to the times of right this very moment. Those individuals are sadly lacking in their knowledge of the Bible. Individuals that extract scripture here and there to satisfy their own selfish agendas are going to be in for a rude awakening should they continue.

God is specific. God is never vague. God is God then, now and always. He hasn’t changed one iota. He is still the same. Thereby we as children of God should be aware of what is God’s Word versus man’s own traditions. We must be aware and astute to easily ascertain what is the practice of man versus God’s word.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Christ and His Doctrine are the ideal and divine inspiration of which we as Christians build our faith and live our lives. Christ and His Spirit and His wisdom are what filters our minds and infiltrates our souls.

Pulling away from the Word in terms of “adding or subtracting” and making up one’s own traditions thereby blocking out Christ and His original Word is serious business.  Some might say it is even tampering with one’s own salvation.

Are you ready to stand for God’s Word?

Are you able to filter out the world and embrace God and His promises and commandments?

“LORD Your Word and commandments are my joy and inspiration this day and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”