Definition: the transmission of customs or beliefs from one generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.
So question for you; what are your traditions? What are some of the things handed down to you that even though you’ve never taken the time to question why you hold to them, you do them robotically anyway? Be careful now, your introspection may shock you.
We are creatures of habit. We don’t like changes of any sort, especially if it interferes with our sacredly held beliefs, right or wrong. But to those of us willing to take a chance, change can be scary but rewarding. I heard someone say that most Christians are very conservative in what they believe and espouse to, but when it comes to politics they are more liberal than those who hold to no religious convictions at all. That was both shocking and alarming at the same time.
So on what foundation are our traditions built? I’m not speaking to the unsaved right now, I’m asking you my born again, Bible believing brothers and sisters. What traditions are you currently holding to that are diabolically opposed to the Word of God? I’m prepared to lose some folks but I’m going to obey the Holy Spirit and forge into the darkness and provoke apathy and traditional beliefs and mindsets. The votes we cast, the agendas we claim to disagree with yet support by our signatures, speaks to what traditions we’re unwilling to change for the greater good.
I had a friend, now deceased, who for years had never considered changing the way she voted. I asked her the questions I’m about to ask you. I’m sure you’ll have the same response. I asked if she supported abortion, she was quick with her response. Of course not! So I asked “then why do you lend your signature to the platform of those who do?” Her answer. “I’ve always voted for this party since I came to America. When I went for my citizenship, it was someone from that party who helped me with getting my papers.” So it was with a sense of obligation that she went away from her God-given conscience to hold to tradition, we’re talking from the sixties to the early nineties when she passed away. She was a pastor. That baffled me.
Now fast forward to today. When I asked her that question decades ago, there was no homosexual agenda, young children were not having their bodies altered, there was no partial birth and now full term abortions, no antifa and Black Lives Matter movements, no multi sex bathrooms, no threat to differing views. We would agree to disagree and still remain friends. You could support whatever party you wanted without fear of dying or having your business burned. Traditionally, I vote for agendas and platforms. I’m never attracted to or by the messenger. That’s the way I’ve always been from a child. I thank God for the way He’s wired me. What you say whether as a child of God or a non believer, is my attraction. Let he that is without sin cast the first stone. The Bible says:
“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”
Luke 6:45 NLT
“Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.”
Proverbs 24:12 NLT
“People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.”
Proverbs 21:2 NLT
“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.”
Proverbs 10:11 NLT
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”
Proverbs 4:23-27 NLT
“You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.
Matthew 12:34
“ But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14 NLT
The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Matthew 12:37 NLT
So I’m asking you my Christian friends, do you support the things I’ve mentioned? If your answer is a resounding “no!” then ask yourself the question: Has tradition made you sign on to a platform that opposes God’s righteous laws? Have you unwittingly given your consent to abortion and other known abominations because that’s the way you’ve always done things? When things change from what they used to be to something that goes against our righteous consciences, then we must break with tradition. Don’t stone me. Read the Word. What does the word say about the things we have signed on to and approved? Are we honoring God by our traditions? We’re not supporting a personality, we’re supporting biblical agendas. No one is perfect but God. We are at a crossroads right now. All evil needs to triumph is God’s people following traditions.
This is what the Word says:
“We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.
We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. ”
2 Corinthians 6:3, 8, 14-18 NLT
And these timely words from the prophet Isaiah:
“The answer’s simple: Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live.”
Isaiah 33:15-16 MSG
Let’s choose our traditions wisely. Let us not walk as those who are blind. Stand on the side of what honors God and the Lord Jesus Christ. We can’t be conservative in words only but in deeds. We’re saying one thing yet supporting another. This, my brothers and sisters, ought not be! God will call us to account, not because of the men, women or party we support, but an agenda we have aligned ourselves with. Religious freedom is about to undergo a shake up in this nation. I pray we’re prepared. I pray you’ll not read these words as for or against a political party, but as a moral issue, standing up for the righteous laws of the God we profess to love and serve. May our hearts be broken as we witness what’s happening spiritually around us. May we seek the heart of God for our nation and world. May we honor the traditions of the saints who went before us. Holding steadfastly to our faith in Jesus Christ. I’ll close with these poignant words from Jesus.
“For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.” Then He said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition.”
Mark 7:8-9 NLT
IT’S TIME TO PRAY...
I heard these words in prayer: “you don’t put leaders in and then pray, you pray before you put them in” WT Selah...
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant