A part of each denomination, each church, and each family are its traditioons.  Traditions can take two forms.  One form is found in the way a denomination baptizes, for example, or in how the Youth group always leads the Easter sunrise service in a partiular church.  Tradition can also be personal – the things your family or small group does every year, like serving the Thanksgiving meal at the local mission.

In many churches and families we face the question of which traidtions to keep and which ones need renewing or updating.  Some traditions we do not even consider changing and that is good.  However, other traditions we wonder about.  Some traditions, particularly in individual churches, are so old that no one can remember why it is done that way.  Finally someone questions that and suggests another way and change occurs.  But it is a delicate balance.  Change must be made with care.

Sometimes we establish a tradition and after a period come to see that it is not such a good practice.  Like Joshua reminding the Israelites not to return to the practice of worshipping idols like they had in Egypt and Babylon, we too must check what we are doing once in a while.  All that we choose to do must be fittered through the lens of how do we best serve God.  In Joshua 24:15, Joshua declares, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  He challenges the people of Israel to make the same choice.  He challenges us too.

As we look at the traditions of our denominations, our churches, and our families, we must ask if these traditions are serving God.  If that is their purpose, then they must continue.  If not, we must seek to renew them so that they are things that help us to serve God.  Ultimtely, all we do in the church must support the choice that Joshua encourages us to make.  May you and your household serve the Lord!

Scripture reference: Joshua 24: 14-18