Traditions, Traditions
Beth Jones
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men…” Colossians 3:15, NKJV
Jesus had a way of speaking the truth in love that penetrated to the heart of the issue. Have you ever noticed that? Jesus was blunt, but He IS love.
So want can we learn from this passage? As human beings, we often have a way of getting attached to our traditions. Jesus wanted the religious leaders back in His day to know that God was most interested in their hearts…and the same is true for us!
Of course, traditions themselves aren’t always a bad thing -- many people have amazing family and faith traditions -- but Jesus isn't looking for empty traditions. He's looking for a genuine, personal relationship with Him. He's looking for people who will follow His Word.
Perhaps certain religious traditions or experiences have prevented you from walking in all that God has for you. Are you willing to exchange those traditions for a personal relationship with Jesus? Are you ready to take God at His Word?
Say This: "Father, I don't want empty lips, vain worship, or the traditions of men to rob me of the authentic relationship You want to have with me. I make a decision to choose You and Your Word over any religious tradition. Jesus, I invite You to be the Lord of my life and I submit to Your Word in all I say and do. In Jesus' Name. Amen."