DCLM Daily Manna 12 March 2022
TOPIC: Don’t Be A Slave To Traditions
KEY VERSE:
“Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances.” – (Colossians 2:20)
DCLM Daily Manna 12 March 2022 MESSASGE
Traditions are long held practices that have been passed from one generation to another. Generally, successive generations simply hold on to these practices without trying to question their veracity and appropriateness. Most cultural traditions and customs are based on beliefs and superstitions that cannot be established by any empirical or scientific proof. It takes real enlightenment and sheer will to break away from certain long-held beliefs and customs.
Writing to the believers in Colosse, Paul spoke of the unreasonableness of continuing to hold on to certain traditions even after they had professed to have died with Christ. Some of these traditions were forms of worship and professed spiritual knowledge outside the revelations in the Bible.
Some still held on to some restrictive customs and religious abstinence, which surrounded days of worships, what to touch, eat, etc. All these curtailed the liberty of the believer in Christ. The apostle, therefore, wrote that having been born again, Christians are not to continue to allow themselves to be enslaved by these unscriptural customs and beliefs.
Today, we still find some Christians holding on to traditional practices and festivals believed to have been handed down by so-called ‘church fathers’ but which do not have Bible backing. They observe certain days as being holy, forbid certain kinds of food as unclean, follow certain religious festivals (like the lent period of forty days fasting), pray to certain saints and angels and follow prescribed prayer patterns. All these are perishable traditions of men and do not have any spiritual bearing or benefits.
Christians must not allow themselves to be enslaved by these traditions, customs and false worship. Having been set free by Christ, we must pursue those things that will benefit our spiritual lives and help us to please the Lord.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Follow Christ; not human traditions.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 22-24
