"Traditions"

“Traditions”

 

In 1951 a McMillan family tradition began when my father, grandfather and uncle took me to my first Major League game at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Then in 1979 my dad, brother and I took my son Dave to his first game at Shea Stadium. And in 2010 Dave and I took Nate to see a Red Sox/Orioles match-up at Camden Yards in Baltimore. And if Jesus tarries and God doesn’t take me Home beforehand I’d like to be part of continuing our family’s tradition by taking a great-grandchild to his or her first game.

Many families have ongoing practices which span the generations. Often these are eagerly anticipated and carry great meaning, especially as we grow older. For example, in rural areas in which we’ve lived family reunions have been major events for many years. But one thing is true about traditions: they had a starting point—they became traditions as they were repeated.

Traditions are good because they remind us of where we came from and thus help us appreciate our heritage. But as with many things they can have a down side. We can become so tied to a past practice that it’s difficult (and maybe almost impossible) to change. Some iconic businesses of the past are no longer around or are shadows of what they once were due to not adapting to new trends. Unfortunately the same can happen with churches and other ministries.

The Greek word for tradition comes from a verb meaning to give over. The context determines if it’s to be embraced or avoided. Paul wrote, “…Stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught….” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV, emphasis added. Other versions render it “teachings”.) Here it refers to God’s truth. On the other hand, Jesus took the religious leaders to task when He told them, “…You nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6, emphasis added) because they put their own practices ahead of God’s commands. In Be Complete, a commentary on Colossians, Warren Wiersbe puts it well: “While it is not wrong to have church traditions that remind us of our godly heritage, we must be careful not to make these traditions equal to the Word of God.”

There’s only one final Authority: God (“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it….”—Psalm 24:1), and He’s spoken authoritatively through His Word (“All Scripture is God-breathed….”—2 Timothy 3:16). And He’s said, “See that you do all I command you; do not add to (My Word) or take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32)—by tradition or anything else!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan