Tradition

     When you read the Bible it is easy to say that we should not follow tradition because our logic is so different than their logic.  However, most of us do not take a deep look into our own lives.  We do so many things out of tradition.  Whether that be at church, celebrating a holiday, or even in our social circles.
     Traditions are not always the easiest things to break.  It tends to make people uncomfortable and at times disappointed.  We get excited about dependable things.  When you get something else, then it is a little sad.
     When the Jews had to except that circumcision was not a part of Christianity, it was hard for them.  It was their tradition for cleanliness.  However, all God wants is for His people to circumcise their heart.  That means except what was once unexceptable to open the doors for Gentiles to be able to have a relationship with God.
     If the Holy Spirit lives in our heart, then that is what matters.  We all get salvation from God's grace, not tradition.  The job of a Christians is to make it easier for people to follow Jesus.  If we give people unnecessary obstacles, then they may never discover what the relationship holds.  New Christians need to be encouraged and nurtured. (Acts 15:1-21)

^{6 "}The apostles and the elders gathered to consider this matter. ⁷ After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: “Brothers and sisters, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. ⁸ And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. ⁹ He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? ¹¹ On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”  Acts 15: 6-11 (CSB)