I have been blessed enough to be able to travel quite a bit throughout my lifetime. I have experienced different countries, different cultures and different customs. I have been able to experience worship in different ways also. It is interesting to see different traditions in churches around the world. The thing I think about with some of those church-specific traditions is, “How are those traditions pointing people to Jesus…to salvation.”
I have attended different churches with friends and family, and sometimes on my own, where their church traditions were not something that I was familiar with. Sometimes I was able to see the commonality with what I believe. Other times they were not familiar or they made me uncomfortable and I did not participate. Then sometimes, even though I did not find the tradition strange, I just did not understand the purpose and what it actually had to do with leading people toward a relationship with Jesus. Tradition and our man made rules and regulations can be a heavy load for an unbeliever.
Paul was telling believers in Philippians 3:4-7 that if anyone had a reason to be proud and trust in their Jewish pedigree and traditions that no one could boast as much as he could.
His life was a picture of Jewish Law being fulfilled. He called himself a Hebrew of the Hebrews, from the stock of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. He had been circumcised on the eighth day as the Law required. Plus, as a Pharisee, he knew and practiced the Law thoroughly.
Oh, and he was zealous. He massively persecuted the church. He considered his righteousness according to the law to be blameless.
Paul had loved and served God his whole life. When he was persecuting the church, he felt that he was serving God. It wasn’t until he came face-to-face with Jesus that he was able to put his passionate knowledge of the Law together with his relationship with Jesus to be able to truly tell them that their Messiah had come.
What is the challenge in this passage for those of us that are followers of Christ? The challenge could be in what we hold on to. We sometimes become overzealous in what we have received from Christ, somewhat like the Pharisees with the Law. We have particular traditions in each of our churches that have nothing to do with salvation. We should not allow our zeal for tradition to cloud our vision and hinder us from passing the simple Gospel message on to those that need to hear it.
How can we apply this to our lives? The example of Paul that we could follow here would be to keep the things that we do focused on Jesus. Man made, earthly religious traditions can deepen and enrich our worship and help strengthen our faith, but they should not become a stumbling block for someone coming to Christ.
What does this mean to my faith? My faith is strengthened when I realize that God‘s plan for us is simple. Paul tried to tell the church that God didn’t make it difficult for us to come to him. His offer is open to everyone no matter who they are where they are or what they’ve done.
Lord, thank You for another day. My heart cannot fathom how anyone can get through without Your presence guiding them. As I go throughout the days You have given me, help me to always try to honor You in all that I do. Forgive me when I become overly zealous about religious traditions of the church over simply telling someone the Good News story of Jesus and His love.
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“4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” Philippians 3:4-7 (KJV)
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is an excellent page that can give you additional information on peace with God: PeaceWithGod.net.
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Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 