We get wrapped up in what we think is supposed to happen around us or in our precious buildings instead of dealing with the issues of our hearts. Yes, many churches have kept their balance for years because of tradition just like the village of Anatevka, Russia, but sadly, they are more like the fiddler on the roof with his precarious position. I cannot help but wonder if God were to reveal the scales of balance to each of us whether we would be found tried and wanting.
Tradition takes a church, its pastor, and its members and destroys their first love. Should people desire to go to church, to sing good theologically correct hymns, to be careful how they act towards each other and in places of worship, to wear appropriate clothing that does not attract attention to one’s person — yes, yes, YES!!!
Is there anything wrong with the leadership choosing to use a certain hymnbook or Bible version or Sunday School material? Is there anything wrong with using just an organ, or a guitar, or a trumpet, or a violin? Is there anything wrong with wearing ladies wearing a hat or men wearing a suit? Is there anything wrong with a particular order or style of service? — no, no, NO!!!
The problem is when these items MUST be in place or it can’t be considered true worship. Or, they MUST be in place or your church can’t fellowship with our church! Or, they MUST be in place or your church is just not a spiritual center for truth! Or, they MUST be in place or your life will never amount to much in the service of God!
Pastors, we need to have our eyes focused solely on the Author and Finisher of our Faith – NOT the Author and Finisher of our Tradition! We need to preach Jesus Christ crucified and Him alone, not wishy-washy messages that extol how great our church traditions are! We need to step away from many of our traditions and ask ourselves if they please and glorify God or do they only exalt the well-intentioned meanings of fallen men and women? Are we willing to take a stand against the sleeping giants found in many of our churches?
Believers, we need to hold our leaders accountable for what is being preached. We all need to be Berean Christians to see whether those things being taught are from God’s Word or from a dusty, worn-out copy of “Our Standards and Practices.” We need to know that we have the Lord’s help and guidance in providing solace to those who come into our midst seeking the truth that the world cannot provide, not the tradition that restricts the truth of Scripture from being expounded for fear of how it may offend somebody!
Weary of the traditions of men!
The Desert Pastor
Posted in Church Life | Tags: Anatevka, Bible version, church, hymnbooks, tradition
