RITUALISTIC TRADITION VS. SPIRITUAL INTIMACY

RITUALISTIC TRADITION VS. SPIRITUAL INTIMACY

 Although traditions are often noteworthy, even commendable, it is important for believers to avoid becoming paralyzed in the robotic implementation of rituals that others have embraced in the past.  In “The Vindication of Tradition,” Jaroslav Pelikan writes: “Tradition is the living faith of those now dead.  Traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living.”  We must wisely discern the difference between the two.  While there is much to be gleaned from traditions that were established out of strong conviction and sincere faith in God, embracing them in the absence of a similarly strong faith is merely establishing rituals that are hollow and void of spiritual intimacy and communion with Christ.

 The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the TRADITION OF MEN, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

 The singular spiritual guidepost for us, the disciples of Christ, is God’s eternal Word, not our finite and customary practices.  His Word never fails since it was designed in the halls of eternity to exalt The Living Lord, not dying men.  Therefore, any ritual that the church embraces should solely and positively pursue the glory of Almighty God.  We love and worship God with our body, mind and spirit–with all that we are–FOR ALL THAT HE IS. 

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!