Traditions, traditions, traditions! We all know what these are and we probably engage in some ourselves. But, in the whole scheme of things, are traditions good or bad? And how do we know?
According to the dictionary, a tradition is a custom handed done from one generation to another but a more insightful definition from the American Heritage dictionary is: a tradition is a set of such customs viewed as a coherent precedent influencing the present. This is very interesting because it shows how ingrained these traditions can be.
So, I ask you, are they good or bad? It depends on what they’re based. If they’re based on godly, Biblical traditions like family prayer and Bible study time, giving thanks at mealtimes, church attendance, etc., then they’re good.
But if your customs/traditions are based on things that aren’t true – like Santa Clause, The Easter bunny, Halloween, or even talking to loved ones who have died [like at the cemetery], then these traditions are bad and make the Word of God of no effect.
Mark 7:13 (KJV) 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
We should never teach our children to believe something to be true when it isn’t. That will confuse their believing the real truth about Jesus and cause them to question whether or not what we tell them about God is actually true.
The bottom line is that we need to examine what we believe or do as our traditions and customs based on the Word of God. If they contradict God’s Word, we need to separate ourselves from them and live our lives according to what God has said. Then and only then, can we be confident that victory is ours!
— Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 