Human Traditions

          

           A dear friend of mine has been active in her local church since her youth.  She has taught adult Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, been on countless committees and chaired numerous functions. There was a discussion one Sunday morning in her Sunday School class about salvation and the return of Christ.  Despite all her years of experience and knowledge she didn’t understand this concept.  She believed that “good works” and living a Christian life is enough.  Another member of the class insisted he felt he was in heaven now!  How disillusioned my friends are!

The very idea that this world with all its pain, illness and disease, hatred, vicious evil behavior and attitudes could come close to heaven, completely blows my mind.  Our world is mired in self-seeking, unethical, immoral and godless behavior.  Yet, daily, people are gravitating towards all the world's glitz and glitter, that is pulling them away and clouding their eyes from what is real.  They are totally missing the fact that only through Jesus, is heaven attained.

            It’s so easy to get lost in the world's allure. The “trappings” of our society can easily cloud our vision of eternity.  Some say, “This is it! When you die, it’s over.”  And with so much available in our lives with technology, new inventions and discoveries made every day through Science, many people believe they have found it all.  In our human-ness we lose sight of what is most important: our faith in Jesus who died a cruel death that we may have life after death, if only we believe.

            Instead of relying on what God has taught us, we choose to make human plans and form traditions we follow week after week and year after year.   Traditions seem to help us focus on what we need to do; and I’m not faulting traditions at all!  In fact, I find them warm and comfortable.  Sometimes it is traditions that bring families together when all else fails!  Thanksgiving and Christmas “get togethers” for families, is a good example of this. 

 Sometimes however, human traditions take the place of actual worship and over runs any relationship with God.  We become relaxed and laid backed in our faith; “lukewarm” and unable to be productive for the Kingdom. Our faith becomes hollow and shallow without any real commitment or passion.          

                                                           

God talks about this in His Word, and says to be lukewarm is not good at all.  He wants us alert, steady, and moving forward with purpose.  He wants us stepping out of our comfort zone to share His Word of love and salvation with our friends, co-workers, families and even strangers if we are led.  He wants us focused on Him!

           

            Will I see my friends from that Sunday School class in heaven someday?  I don’t know.  I, along with another friend, tried desperately to show them the Way.  Did they accept it?  Again, I don’t know.  Their traditions and philosophy didn’t agree with the Bible.  All I can do is pray that one day they do believe with their whole heart that Jesus Christ is the one and only way to get to heaven.

            So I challenge you to reflect on your traditions.  Do they interfere with your personal relationship with God?  Is God first in all areas of your life?

Secularism

            Recently on the news, I heard an interview with a woman who believes in “secularism.”  She believes the words “In God We Trust” should come off coins, “Under God” should be taken out of the “Pledge of Allegiance,” and an assorted other separations of “church and state.”  She commented that in Europe people have become less and less “religious” and more secularist and she thinks this is good.  This, as I see it, goes totally against the Bible.  This is right up Satan’s alley!

Yet, isn’t this just what we are seeing throughout our country!  Because Believers have stood silent, depicting consent, our Bibles have been removed from schools, as have prayers; and we see Pastors being threatened for the way they preach the Word.  We’ve come to a place where we have to be careful what we say, to who, and even careful about what we wear in case someone finds our Christian logo or “thought” we have on our shirt to be offensive!  We’ve become a corrupt, self-seeking, self-serving, unethical, tainted, harmful, dishonest society, and this is especially noted in the political realm.

              Jesus told his disciples he was “sending them” as his Father had “sent him.”  His disciples followed that teaching disregarding the risk to their lives.  Today, we, as Christians, carry the mantle of “disciples.”  It is to us He now speaks, saying, “I send you!” 

            There are some who are sure they have “nothing to offer!”  That is so far from the truth.  Even the poor widow (who only gave two mites) gave!  And what made hers so special is, she gave “from her poverty!”  She gave all she had, not from her abundance.  Can we do any less?

            Talents and gifts are often in “the eyes of the beholder!”  God has given each of us an ability, even if it doesn’t seem like it!  Prayer is huge.  Who can’t pray?  Another option is to help someone in need.  It might be a neighbor next door, or across the street.  It might also be that homeless person you see standing on the corner asking for help or one in a fast food restaurant, wanting nothing more than a meal.  It might mean visiting a shut in who has been sick or an elderly person who feels forgotten because their family has moved away.  Offering a ride for a shopping adventure or take someone to their doctor’s visit, is another “gift.” 

            Our churches always need assistance in dozens (literally) of ways!  Minister to youth, teach a Sunday School class, do some cleaning in the sanctuary, decorate, or sing in the choir!  If you can’t think of anything, ask! 

            When people, like the one I heard on the news, speak against the church, people listen.  People listen because Satan is working hard to corrupt communities, as we strive to win them to Christ.  Such determination, one way or the other, has an effect on people, especially those who are easily persuaded and sit on the fence about how they feel or believe.  We absolutely must speak out as strongly about our God, as those who choose secularism.  When we speak and teach God’s word, people will listen….if we believe what we’re saying ourselves!  

            So I challenge you to “put Satan in his place!”  Fight secularism by shining your light among your friends, family and neighbors, by giving from your poverty, as well as, your abundance if you have it!  You will be rewarded in ways you hadn’t expected!

Trick Or Treat!

I heard the knock at the door and went to answer.  I caught my breath as I faced a six-foot figure with an ugly, weather beaten face, black, disheveled, straggly hair, a black flowing dress, accompanied by a black cape and pointed black hat; holding a straw broom.  I was terrified, even though I knew who it was!  Thankfully, my husband had gotten word of our guest, just before arrival!

            As it turned out the “witch” at my door was a well-educated, college professor who had just left the home of another friend who did not know their guest.  The husband knew the identity, but not the wife.  Since the husband was part of the ruse, the “witch” played the part to the hilt, chasing the wife with “her” broom, right into the bathroom, where my friend straddled the tub in an effort to get away from the intruder.  All the while the husband is rolling with laughter! 

The true identity of the “witch” was exposed once the total head piece was removed.  But by then, my friend was so frightened by the ugly, menacing face and outfit, even with the removal of the costume, she could not be consoled. The husband and witch, once they realized how upset my friend was, apologized for the ruse. 

As I reflect on the holiday “Halloween,” I am mortified by what it has become.  It’s the time of year when on television and at the movies, the worst, most-scariest shows appear!  It’s like people want to be scared out of their skin!  The costumes and plot line get worse every single year.  Our minds have become so skewed to what we picture as evil, that these horrible costumes are accepted as “the best!”  Halloween is now about demons and the occult; those things God said we should stay away from!

When I was growing up, it was more about silliness and cute; even to the usage of a paper bag decorated or a paper plate!  We’d dress up in something unusual (but not scary!) and go trick or treating.  What’s sad, is not only has the element of dress and story gotten scarier, so has the “trick or treating.”  We’ve become a society where parents insist NO candy is eaten or opened until it arrives home and each piece is inspected!  Our children can no longer accept cookies or handmade candy because there is a very real threat of harm or danger within!

God is not about darkness and fear.  That is pure satan!  God wants our lives to project what is good and pure; a light to the world.  When we encourage the “dark behaviors” to continue as completely acceptable, we are encouraging a toe hold for satan!  And truth be told, satanic cults are springing up all over the place!  Is it any wonder? 

So I challenge you to consider how you view Halloween.  Is it worth your time and energy, or spirit, to celebrate a time that has become dark and ugly, frightening and evil?  I’m not suggesting not allowing the children to trick or treat…..little ones love dressing up—and so do the older ones….  but perhaps a different mindset might be a good thing.  I believe it’s worth considering.

Silver Boxes

          

           A friend of mine shared her book with me about “silver boxes.”  The “boxes” were sent by an anonymous giver to a teen who was struggling in some way.  These “boxes” didn’t need to be literally boxes, they could be letters, cards, notes, etc.  The idea was to lend encouragement in an unusual way.  While teens certainly need encouragement in their lives, it’s also true adults do too.  Very often adults are faced with a crisis daily that can bend them to the point of breaking.

            Biblical Job would have been an adult sent to the breaking point.  I’m not at all sure I would have had the incredible faith he had when faced with all the tragedy and hardships placed upon him.  Yet what an example he sets.  In the midst of his trials he continued to believe, adamantly, that one day he would see Jesus face to face. 

            Scripture describes our “silver box” if we accept it in Job 19:25-27 as it communicates Job’s belief when he proclaimed his “Redeemer lives!”  What a word of hope, faith and endurance in a time when most of us would have faltered.  I want to be like Job! 

            This idea of “silver boxes” opens a door to opportunity to share encouragement. I read not long ago about a man who went into a fast food restaurant, asked for the manager and then handed him ten $100 bills.  They were given to pay for orders of those who came through the “drive thru” until the money was gone.  After he gave the money, he left without giving any personal information; not even his name!  What a gift!

            While most would find this act of selflessness incredible and certainly encouraging, others are encouraged through an act of service.   The elderly are especially grateful for someone who would rake their leaves, return an empty garbage can near the garage after trash pick-up, walking their dog or any number of things, especially if the weather is cold or rainy.

            A couple with small children would appreciate an offer to watch their children so they could have a night out; while a family going through tough times or even one just extremely busy, would appreciate an occasional homemade meal delivered--- or even a pizza delivered!

            Other possibilities include sending a care package (to a soldier or other deserving person), delivering some hand-picked flowers, giving a toy to a needy child, serving at a shelter, giving a hug, saying something nice to someone, and so much more.  All it takes is a little creativity, to offer someone a “silver box!” 

            Along with offering someone else a “silver box,” you will be making yourself feel better, as well!  Data shows doing something good for someone is good for your health, too! It’s also a great way to strengthen your faith! 

I desire to have such a strong faith, that no matter what Satan throws my way, I can throw it back at him and say “I know my Redeemer Lives!”  Then follow up by offering someone else a “silver box” such as Job, through God’s Word, has offered me.  So I challenge you to send someone a “silver box” and brighten your day while you brighten someone else’s!