Every morning my alarm goes off at 3:30 (except Friday which is my day off). I get up; shower; shave on certain days; get dressed; get my glass of ice water; then sit down at the kitchen table where it is deathly quiet (a good thing) and have my Quiet Time. Around 5 I make my way to the office where I put things away I have brought from home, then sit down at the computer and enter this devotion. After that I start working on a sermon.
I do that…like clockwork…almost every day. I rely on sameness to keep me centered. Focused on the task. May I call it tradition?
Yesterday’s devotion focused on how tradition can be bad. But there are times tradition/routine can be good. Each day I have a routine-I’ll call it tradition-of doing the same thing. In my case, almost at the same time. There is a certain comfort level that comes from sameness. I like change; I do change fairly well. But there are some things which should NEVER change. My early morning routine should never change-although it sometimes does due to ministry. I’ve tried it; it doesn’t work. Meeting with others, preaching, laughing, hugging, has all changed over the past 7-8 weeks. I know when I get back to meeting in person it will be hard. But change I must.
When it comes to the truths of the Scripture, there can be no change. No new “enlightenment.” Jesus said to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees (Mt. 15; Mk.8). Some traditions are good and are never meant to be changed. Stand on the tried and true words and Word of God.
“Father, some things never change. Your Word is certainly one of those things. May I be faithful to You through all time, day in and day out.”
As is His Love for us! Hallelujah!
Absolutely right Diane. I’ll stand with you on that.
I use to be one that bucked against tradition… especially tradition for traditions sake. Tradition where the meaning has left and what is left is an empty shell of an action that has long lost its purpose.
I am finding as I get older (and hopefully a little wiser) that some traditions are good as you state.
Some things should not change… especially if they work… especially if they have a purpose…
especially when the meaning is sure.
you put it so well Ryan. Gives a good spin on tradition being good.
I find my daily routines calming and settling. They make for healthy traditions, if you will. But sorry, no getting up at 3:30 for me! 🙂
Blessings, Bill!
I’m disappointed Martha. No 3:30? Course I am in bed by 9:30 most nights. 🙂