Confronting Tradition with Truth
For as long as I can remember, tradition has been the bedrock of our faith practices. We grew up in the church, adhering to customs and rituals passed down through generations, rarely questioning their origins or significance. But what happens when we are faced with a revelation or truth that directly challenges these long-held traditions? Do we cling to the familiar, or do we step out in faith, seeking a deeper understanding of God’s will for our lives?
The Hierarchy of Heaven vs. Earthly Systems
The Kingdom of God is often misunderstood. We see God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as part of a divine hierarchy. Beyond that, there are angels, seraphim, and other heavenly beings. There is structure, but it’s a perfect structure, one rooted in love, service, and holiness—not in power struggles and dominance like many earthly hierarchies.
Jesus Christ, while on earth, exemplified this divine order. Though He was equal with God, He submitted Himself to the Father’s will, even unto death (Philippians 2:6-8). His submission was not a sign of weakness, but of ultimate trust in God’s perfect plan. This is in stark contrast to the world’s systems, where power often corrupts and those at the top benefit at the expense of those below.
The Challenge of Tradition: A Closer Look at Christmas
Take Christmas, for example. Many of us celebrate December 25th as the birth of Christ, but historical and biblical evidence suggests that Jesus was likely born in the spring, not in the winter. The date we celebrate was originally associated with pagan festivals, which were later Christianized by Constantine as a way to unify his empire. Over time, this tradition became deeply embedded in Christian culture, to the point where questioning it feels almost heretical.
But when we are confronted with this truth, what do we do? Do we continue to celebrate out of habit, or do we take a step back to consider the implications? It’s not that celebrating Christmas is inherently wrong, but it’s important to recognize how much of our faith is built on traditions that may not have a biblical foundation.
Ignoring the Truth: A Dangerous Choice
We have a choice when faced with truth that challenges our traditions. Like the rabbit that freezes in front of a snake, we can choose to ignore the reality before us, pretending nothing has changed. But doing so can lead to spiritual death, as we continue down a path that may not align with God’s will.
Ignoring truth is like being on the Titanic, hearing the warnings of the impending iceberg but choosing to continue with the festivities as if nothing is wrong. We can choose to consult others—friends, family, media—but ultimately, it comes down to what we believe and how we respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Searching for Truth: A Journey Worth Taking
Seeking truth is not easy. It requires effort, dedication, and sometimes, a willingness to go against the grain. I’ve embarked on a journey to understand the true name of God, studying ancient texts and learning from scholars who are experts in the Hebrew language. This journey has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
Scripture encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 2:4-5 says, "If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Finding truth requires us to dig deep, to study, and to ask difficult questions. But the reward is a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.
Stepping Out of the Cloud of Tradition
Tradition can be comforting, but it can also cloud our understanding of God’s will. It’s time for us to step out of that cloud and walk in the light of God’s truth. Jesus said in John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." We are called to be free in Christ, not bound by the chains of tradition that may no longer serve His purpose.
As we move forward, let’s choose to walk boldly in the truth that God reveals to us. Let’s not be afraid to question traditions, to seek out the true meaning behind our practices, and to align our lives more closely with the teachings of Christ. In doing so, we will not only deepen our own faith but also become better witnesses to the world of God’s love and truth.
Conclusion: Walking in the Light of God
As we confront the traditions of our past, let’s do so with the understanding that God desires a personal relationship with each of us—one that is not filtered through the lens of outdated customs but is rooted in the fresh, living truth of His Word. Let’s step out from under the cloud of tradition and walk in the light of the morning God, as His true children, free and fully alive in His presence.
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