Tradition is a powerful thing. It is what binds us to our past and gives us a sense of belonging. Tradition has the potential to create strong family units; the absence of it creates a sense of disconnect from identity. A missionary who has traveled quite a bit once told me that the lack of traditions in a "melting pot" society has been shown to have negative influences on the youth including disrespect for the elderly, no sense of identity, etc. On the other hand, a strong sense of tradition can create a healthy sense of respect for self and others.
Matthew 10: 35-36 - For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
All people groups have traditions that can be used for good and bad. Some of them are beautiful and others are steeped in centuries of ignorance and superstition. Who doesn't love blowing out the candles on a birthday cake or opening a gift on Christmas Eve? Tradition. For centuries a young widow in India would commit suicide by lighting herself on fire on top of her husband's funeral pyre. Tradition. See the difference?
All of us tend to get defensive when our traditions are crossed. It may seem that we are being personally assaulted. Yet many times the word of God does just that. It goes against our traditions. This is the meaning of the verse where Jesus said he had come to set family members against one another. It wasn't that he had no respect for traditions or family ties. It was just that he knew his teachings were going to cause many to have to make a choice. Are my traditions more important than the teachings of the one I now call Lord?
There are times when all of us must choose as well. Will I be offended when I realize that some Biblical truth challenges what my grandmother or aunt believed? What if my father and mother walked in all the light they knew but now I am being shown more? Can I accept that maybe they weren't right about everything?
Let's look at the medical field. It wasn't that long ago that Penicillin was discovered. Before Penicillin people died from what today would be considered a minor ailment. After Penicillin was a different story. My point is this. Who would refuse to take Penicillin because grandmother and grandfather didn't have access to it. Hardly anyone.
Yet many people have rejected truths from God's word because it went against family tradition. I am glad I am not the judge. I have no power to grant anyone access to heaven or condemn anyone to hell. As a minister of the gospel I must preach what the word of God says, even when it goes against family tradition. I can't answer for my forefathers but I can answer for myself. I'd rather have the Penicillin than die from Pneumonia; I'd rather accept truth than take a chance with my soul.
Sincerely,
Sullivan Jones
