A Few of Our Favorite Things

A Few of Our Favorite Things

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 were established through new routines with our children.

A few of my favorite traditions are opening one gift on Christmas Eve, Friday night family nights with games, movies, popcorn, and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, and the birthday boy getting to choose dinner for their special day.

Family traditions can be fun, give us something to look forward to, authenticate our experiences, and even bring us back “home” when we feel adrift.

But what about religious traditions? Are they good?

Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, either by our message or by our letter.”   2Thessalonians 2:15 (HCSB)

Tradition kept the Thessalonian Church anchored to Truth during a time of persecution and helped them stand firm. 

But, be careful that keeping to tradition doesn’t cross into an empty ritual. Rituals can be unfeeling, empty, dead. When we perform religious traditions in the absence of heart or attitude appropriate for the act, it is an empty ritual. 

1 Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied:

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

 

When Tradition becomes ritual, then it isn’t good.

But, when we consider tradition as it relates to Truth-it’s not only good, it’s essential! 

 

Holding to tradition means not getting caught up in the adaptations and continued flux of the world.

Not compromising our godly integrity for something that is clearly against the Word of God and contrary to Truth.

Tradition is an anchor that keeps us rooted and grounded in Truth.

That’s why it’s essential that we teach the traditions of our faith to our children. It is part of the legacy building we were called to in Deuteronomy 6.

 

Relatable Bible Verses: Colossians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:5, 2 Timothy 3:15

Relatable Songs to Listen for on WalkFM

Truth I’m Standing On– Leanna Crawford

Truth Be Told– Matthew West

Start Right Here– Casting Crowns

Love– We Are Messingers

Keep Me In The Moment– Jeremy Camp

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What traditions hold value for you and your family?

Are your spiritual traditions anchoring you to Truth, or have they become an empty ritual?

What’s your favorite family tradition for Thanksgiving and Christmas?

Let us know! We’d love to hear from you 😀 

 

 

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Susan E. Greenwood is a wife, a mother, and a mother-in-law :D. She has over 28 years experience in youth and children’s ministries. Susan loves to write blogs, articles, devotionals, and curriculum. She has blogged for bible.org, and authors Mary Demuth, Lynn Cowell and Ruth Schwenk. Susan writes regularly for skitguys.com. Her passion is to help people live their Life In Stride with the Word of God.

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