Tradition

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. – Colossians 2:8

James and Mattie stood at their wedding rehearsal gazing into one another’s eyes. The minister smiled as he asked Mattie to have a seat on the front pew. “Tradition, Mattie. It’s bad luck for the bride to practice the vows before the wedding.”

Mattie’s eyes dropped. “But, I…”

“Nope! Bride sits this one out.” replied her maid-of-honor as she took Mattie by the arm and led her to the front pew. “It’s my job to stand in on this one.” James wiggled in discomfort.

The minister continued. “If any one should object to this union let them now be heard.”

Mattie jumped to her feet. “I object.” Tears filled her eyes. “I object to everything. This silly tradition is preventing James and me from enjoying our own wedding. I don’t want someone to have an opportunity to object to my marriage and I don’t want my maid-of-honor standing in my shoes.” A hush covered the room.

James stepped forward taking his bride’s hand. He looked her in the eyes and placed his hand on her cheek. “I, James Montgomery, love you, Mattie Hawthrone, just as Christ told us to love Him in Matthew 22:37 …with all our heart, soul, and mind. I take you to be my wife, through every obstacle that comes our way, until Jesus takes us home.”

Mattie’s tears faded. “Just as Christ loved us, so do I love you.”

Tradition is nice. It holds some very meaningful ceremonies such as weddings. However, there are times we allow tradition to overtake our train of thought. We allow it to rule what we do. Even Paul warned the Colossians to be careful they did not allow people to take them captive through things that focused on the world rather than on Christ. Tradition can become an easy pitfall, and before we know it, we have fallen into the depths of the pit.

We sometimes find ourselves locked into the traditions of our regular Sunday Service. Even switching the order of the service seems sacrilegious to some. Learning that it’s not the order of the service or even the particular way the songs are sung, or the offering is taken that makes a worship service what it is. The mindset we take when we enter the doors of the church, the concentration we place upon the Father, and the humility, praise and submission we offer God while we commune with Him in His house is what counts. Traditions are nice, and can be very meaningful, but when we act on tradition rather than the meaning behind the action, we are losing sight of our Father in heaven.

Study to show yourself approved, and worship to offer the glory and praise to our Father that He richly deserves. Truly worship God during church and you will be amazed at the change in your life.

Prayer: Lord, help us to remain focused only on You. May we offer You all the praise and glory which belongs to You.