Empty Traditions

Empty Traditions

I read a few verses in Colossians today in the Message Bible, and boy-oh-boy it sure did have a lot to say to me, directly.  There are too many things in this world that I take for granted, one being my undoubted faith in Christ.  When I start to talk to people that have little faith, it begins to confuse me.  Not that I become doubtful, but confused about myself, rather.  I keep having glimpses of my past that I would really like to forget, but they come at the most opportune time.  I’m either feeling as though I want to go back to my old ways, or questioning why I turned from them to begin with.  I am hesitant as I write these things because I am fearful.  I am fearful of man.  I don’t want to be fearful and I know it is absolutely ridiculous to even take into account what other people think when I write what God is telling me to, but I am human and it just happens. 

I’ve been thinking about my situations for a while and dwelling on them.  I know that is not what God would want me to do at all, but I realize it now that I’ve fallen away from Him.  This is not to say that I’ve gone completely haywire and lost my faith completely, but my faith in Him is being tested.  I can see it perfectly.  And the sad thing is I kind of wished this upon myself.  Now, don’t get the wrong idea.  What I am trying to say is, when you fall on your face it brings you so much closer to Him.  I did not fall on my face on purpose, but I did allow the devil to speak lies into my life, rather than the truth that God says.  This being said, I do not feel as though I am completely back on track with God, but I do feel like I am feeling around for Him in a completely dark room (if that makes any sense).

This morning I read Colossians 2:8-23 in the Message Bible.  I’m not going to post the whole thing but you can go read it here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians%202&version=MSG

The verses are saying that we need to “WATCH OUT”.  What does it mean to “watch out”?  To “watch out” means to ‘be vigilant, be on the lookout or be careful’.

Are we careful with where we go? 

Are we careful with whom we allow in our lives?

Are we careful with the things we watch or listen to?

 Being careful doesn’t mean that we are just “aware” of the harm that it could cause us, but we avoid the potential danger that it might cause to us, physically and mentally.  I can be honest with you I have not been doing this.  I have not been on the “look out” with the decisions I make.  They are sending me down a horrible path and I can see it so clearly.  It’s so easy to step into that direction though, because it’s a comfort.  It may release some tension for a while, but afterward begins a long time of suffering, pain and regret. 

In verse 8b, it says, “They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and empty superstitions of spirit beings.”  The “empty traditions of human beings” is what really hit me right in the gut! 

What are some “empty traditions”?

·         Finding “true love” based on things you’ve read or seen in the movies (girls, don’t lie, you SO do this)

·         Sleeping with your boyfriend/ girlfriend before you get married to “test out” and see if it will work,

·         “Going out” and letting lose because “you worked hard and you deserve it”,

·         Needing more money at your job because you live pay check to pay check and you work hard…

These are just a few of the “empty traditions” that I’ve struggled with.  There are so many more!  But isn’t it true?  Don’t we allow those ideas to spread in our lives and become a huge part of who we are?  There are so many “empty traditions” that we allow in our lives because of the way the human race is.  We fail to see the emptiness it causes because we give it the excuses of “well that’s just the way the world is...”  “That’s just how I was raised….”  “We’re in a different generation now…” 

They are empty, people!  Straight up, empty, nothing good will come from thinking that way!  It only causes destruction and defeat within us.  Why can’t we see this?  Why can’t I see this?  This wonderful author I love, Marion Jordan Ellis says, “It’s not about a set a rules, it’s about a mindset.”  This goes with anything.  If we can’t get into the mindset of understanding that emptiness has surrounded us and chose a different path, then we will continue to be disappointed, fearful, doubtful, anxious, restless, impatient, reckless, impulsive, and irresponsible human beings.