Over the years, my husband and I have established a few traditions with our family. Some were cultivated from our favorite childhood traditions and some have been established through new routines with our children.
Things like opening one gift on Christmas Eve, Friday night family nights with games, movies, popcorn, and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and the birthday boy or girl getting to choose dinner on their special day.
Traditions can be fun, give us something to look forward to, authenticate our experiences, and even bring us back “home” when we are feeling adrift.
But what about religious traditions? Is it good to have religious traditions or are they a pitfall leading to stagnant faith?
I used to think of religious tradition as an anchor hindering growth and limiting our godly perspective; as more of a ritual that an act of worship.
But, then I read 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (HCSB).
“Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, either by our message or by our letter.”
Tradition IS an anchor; but, not one that inhibits growth. Tradition keeps us rooted and grounded in Truth making it not only good but necessary!
It was tradition that helped the Thessalonian Church stay true to their faith while under heavy persecution. It kept them anchored in truth and able to stand firm in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Christians are still under fire for our beliefs. We are continually asked to compromise our moral integrity for the sake of social justice when we know that “justice” is clearly against the Word of God and contrary to Truth. It is easy to get caught up in the adaptations and continued flux of the world’s moral code. Holding to the unchanging Word of God, the tradition of our faith will keep us focused on God’s view and give us the courage to stand firm under fire.
Have you established Spiritual traditions in your family? What traditions hold value for you as a mom, as a daughter? What traditions of faith can you pass on to your family? Whatever they are, anchor them in the Truth of God’s Word and God’s blessings will follow.