Tradition

Let me preface this by saying that there is a very important place in everything for tradition but if the tradition is in conflict with the Message God has given us, then it needs to be reviewed and revised in order to lift up His Word and not reflect the imperfect preferences of mankind. Yes, this may sound rather harsh, but the world has demanded that God fit in the box mankind has designed and has sullied the perfection of His Message. Consider this story for a moment. A young woman was preparing a roast for the family. It was the first time she had done a full on roast beef meal for the family and she was doing it exactly the way she was taught, it was all tradition. The parents came by as did her new husband’s parents and all seemed to be going very well. The only hiccup came when the mother-in-law asked why she cut the ends off the roast. The young girl only said that it was how she was taught. Now, curiosity got the best of her, she asked her mom what the purpose was in cutting off the ends of the roast, and her mom simply said that is was how her mom taught her. When the grandmother arrived, they all gathered and asked how the tradition of cutting off the end of the roast came to being and why. The grandmother replied that she had a small roast pan and that was the only way she could get the roast into the pan. 

There are times when we forget the truth in the message after others have added their interpretations and preferences to what is already perfection. Go back far enough and you will find that it was inappropriate and downright rude to show up to church without a proper head covering, a conservative dress (not pants), the right coloured shoes and white gloves for women and a proper three piece suit with freshly shined shoes and a clean handkerchief for men. To show up any other way would be considered an insult to the Lord and there would be words had with those who did not follow the good, solid Christian rules. All were required to read one version of the scripture, the only authorized word of God, the King James Version with room in the margins for notes. The service ran the exact same way every Sunday, the week was predictable with Wednesday bible studies and kids groups, young people met on Fridays and, so long as nothing interfered with the way things had always been done, life was good and people were well on their way to Heaven when the time came. Say the prayer of salvation and you were good to go.  

Can I offer this up for consideration? The tradition of meeting often throughout the week is wonderful and building relationship is very scriptural and foundational in His teaching; love others as you love yourself. Grasp a hold of this message and hold it close to your heart, in fact, hold God close to your heart and follow His directives. Love God with absolutely every ounce of your being and embrace those around you with the love Christ exemplifies and, remember, Jesus paid the price; praise Him and declare Him as your Saviour. Here is my question for you all with regards to some of these traditions that some may say are required to get into Heaven. Is there a dress code in Heaven? The thief on the cross would say no. Do you need to be clean-shaven and have short hair to get into Heaven? History notes that Paul was lacking in the hair department and yet he was the author of many epistles in the Holy Book. Were the original Christian teachers preaching from the KJV? It took a long time for the Word to go from Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic to Latin and English. Different languages, same message. Tradition is important but the foundational message trumps. His word is shared around the world by faithful servants of God and not all wear three piece suits, in fact, Jesus did not own a suit. Jesus wants us, just as we are. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 NLT 

Pastor Todd is back this week and will be bringing a message of hope through faith in Christ. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms) or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.   

Blessings,   

www.mainavefellowship.ca