When I was growing up, I was not taught or else I somehow missed that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus. Other folks I have talked with also were not taught that.
What about you? Were you taught that you could have a personal relationship with Jesus? Or was Jesus just an untouchable God that you hoped to please?
What would church be to someone that has no personal relationship with Jesus?
I thought about that, and I tried to remember what it was like for me. I would come and pray and worship, but it would be a one-way conversation. I would leave the alter hoping for an answer somewhere along the way. Although I loved God, I felt no real connection with Him. Answers only came by wait and see.
The importance of tradition may be way over emphasized for folks that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Going to church is what you are supposed to do.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
Some things we do at church are ordinances that need to be kept. The Lord’s Supper is one of those. What about other things? Are there some things we do at church that are just tradition? Do we hesitate to change them in any way because we are clinging to tradition?
I am not saying that something needs to be changed, but if we are clinging to tradition just because it’s tradition, perhaps it’s more important that it should be. Our focus should be on the Lord we serve and our relationship with Him.
I suspect if you do not have a relationship with Jesus, and you take away tradition, you may still worship, but you may feel like you’re missing something. I encourage you to seek the relationship. It makes all the difference.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 14:23
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Romans 8:14-17
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to develop your relationship with Jesus. Become spirit led by learning to listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit. God can speak through the Bible, through prayer, through others, and through circumstances. Walk in obedience and take time to listen.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:26