“Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together” (Numbers 16:11).
Traditions are important to us, whether we know it or not. Traditions are those beliefs and practices that have been handed down to us from those who have gone before. At their best, traditions keep us from stepping too far outside of the boundaries that maintain our stability and order. However, traditions can sometimes give us only an illusion of stability and order without the reality of such things.
Traditions are only as good as the truths which undergird them. If our traditions are based on sound and solid truths from the Bible, then they will be a help and benefit to us. Therefore, it is vitally important that we make an effort to think about the basis or foundation of our beliefs and practices. We must discern truth (i.e. try to objectively evaluate our traditions in light of God’s word) in order to ensure that we are submitting to our good and wise God, rather than rebelling against Him.
If we believe or do something that merely feels right or seems right, then we may find ourselves gathered against the Lord. This would certainly be disastrous. If, however, we ultimately hold to the Scriptures and live according to God’s word, then we will enjoy the blessings of God.
May God help us to be a discerning people, finding our confidence chiefly in the God who gave us His authoritative words – the Holy Scripture.
Holding the Line 