O.K. - get ready - I'm about to approach a very touchy subject. A subject that has brought much disagreement and hurtful times to my life. Are you ready?? Today, we will discuss tradition. Tradition vs. inner purity was the subject as I read Matthew 15:1-20 this morning. Now, I totally understand that different people enjoy different things. I understand that some people enjoy history and traditions and some people enjoy new and different things. In no way, am I saying that one is wrong and one is right. I'm just saying that either way, we must never allow what we want to overpower what God wants. If we are more focused on keeping with tradition than what God wants - we are in the wrong. If we are more focused on keeping up with keeping everything different so we don't create a tradition than what God wants - we are in the wrong.

In these verses, some Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus why His disciples broke their traditions and did not wash their hands before they ate. Jesus came right back at them about their willingness to defy God's instruction to honor your father and mother. They would make excuses about why they could not give their money to help their parents because they were giving it to God. While this seems to be a worthy cause, it became an excuse to not obey God. In vs. 6 Jesus says "And by this you invalidate the Word of God for the sake of your tradition."

Jesus goes on to explain that it is not what we put in our mouths that defiles us but what comes out of them that defiles us. For what comes out of them is what is in our hearts.

Sometimes, traditions can be good and sometimes, they can be bad. I believe it's all about our focus and whether these traditions affect our obedience to God.

Do you hang on to traditions too tightly? Are you more concerned with keeping traditions than obeying God or loving others? Keep the ones that enhance your relationship with God and be rid of the ones that hinder.

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie