Devotion to Traditions or Devotion to Christ?

Most people who say they are Christians today have more devotion to their denomination and their traditions than they do to Christ.

I am grieved at how people will violently defend unbiblical practices just because it has been what they have always done, or because they do not want to seem radical to their family members.

Those who seek the Lord with all their heart will be separated from those who love their superficiality. They will be isolated from the pew warmers and pretenders, not because they sought to be, but because they were rejected by those who love their traditions.

Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Matthew 15:3
"He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?"

Are you so sold out to Christ that every challenge is seen as an opportunity to learn more about Christ?

If anyone finds themselves shrinking from speaking of God merely because of the company they are keeping, then that alone is reason for repentance.

When Christians get together for a meal and Christ is never mentioned and the things of God cause embarrassment, we might want to think twice about attending these gatherings in the future.

It is harder to be with superficial Christians than with non-believers. We expect the non-believers to act like that, but it is shocking and frustrating when rage and indifference come out of the mouths of believers when scripture is brought to bear on a discussion.

Every authentic believer should be excited to speak about Christ. I don't mean moral things or practices, I mean about Christ Himself. I find so many superficial believers who love to speak about abortion, homosexuality or politics, but when the name of Christ emerges the room becomes silent from the weight of embarrassment.

Cultural Christianity is the majority of what we experience today as we move through Christian circles, embarrassment over the mention of the Holy Spirit or words from the Bible often bring division and contempt upon the one who dares to speak openly about these things.

My advice, just keep going when led by the Holy Spirit. The responses don't say a thing about you, but they do reveal the hearts of others who express those responses.

Romans 1:16-17 "16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. 17 For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”…"