“Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread” (Matthew 15:1-2).
We are not here to live out traditions, but to follow the Lord. Traditions are fine when they help us live a life of devotion, but we do not live for the traditions. It is like living for what Scripture says, rather than living for the One who wrote Scripture. Our faith is not based upon our behavior, per se, but upon the relationship we have with the One who created us. Take the next step and walk with the Lord.
Lord, sometimes my traditions do get in the way, and I am led by my need to feel good about myself. Help me to live into the life You are offering and carefully do those things You give me to do. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy so that I may humbly walk by faith, knowing that I am always in Your presence. Teach me to live Your law for Your sake and not just to appease or even please You.
Heavenly Father, You have created an ordered world and through Your only Begotten Son, You have called us to live for You and to do so according to Your order of things. Through the grace given through Your Son, lead us so that we live according to the law of love, loving You and others. Teach me to be respectful of traditions, but not to live for them, but for You, who with the Son and the Holy Spirit are One God, now and forever. In Your holiness, lead me to become holy as You are holy. Amen.
