Tradition can be such a useful thing, even a beautiful thing. I think all people have traditions whether they admit it or not. Even as they reject some traditions, they unwittingly create new. In churches today even the contemporary worship styles have created their own liturgy and traditions. Certain patterns have developed that are highly cherished.

Few have spoken (or song) so elequently on the subject of tradition than the song “Tradition” in the musical Fiddler on the Roof, one of my most favorite musicals! There, the main character says, “We have traditions for everything. How to sleep. How to eat. How to work. How to wear clothes…”

I think we should sing it this Sunday!

When I think about the traditions that I love, I often think about the hymns of Fanny Crosby, great songs that I grew up singing. I think about families going to church and then enjoying Sunday dinner together. I think about youth groups gathering at someone’s house after church on Sunday nights. I think about gathering with my aunts and uncles and cousins during the Thanksgiving holiday and, of course, the greatest Alabama tradition of all, Alabama versus Auburn in the Iron Bowl!

This Sunday, we’ll be looking at Jesus’ clash with the traditionalists of His day as we meditate on Matthew 15:1-20. There’s nothing wrong with traditions so long as they not become more important than the Word of God and His rule over our lives. Problem is, that’s exactly what usually happens. Many from my hometown would have to admit that Alabama football has become more important than devotion to Christ. Singing the right song in church becomes more important than singing with the right heart. Making more church members fit our traditions becomes more important than making disciples of Jesus. Tradition can become an idol. The words of Christ are very harsh on this point:

You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:

This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me;

In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

Please read over Matthew 15:1-20 with an open heart and join us Sunday as we seek to place Jesus and His Word above all else in our lives.