Tradition of Death

Just read an excellent article by X-ATI Guy. Whether you like his parodies or not, I believe that his more "serious" stuff is right on.

Anyway, his newest post raises some excellent points that I wanted to blog about from my perspective. Here's the first thought, more to come later.

C.S. Lewis writes in his book, "Screwtape Letters" that jargon is the best weapon to use against Christians. It gives us a modicum of understanding, and that we comprehend the spiritual truths. We are raised to play the game, to do the monkey dance, win Oscars, Emmy's, whatever accolade there is because of our performances. Christ says in Mark 7:6-9 regarding the Pharisees: "Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me'. Howbeit in vain do they worhsip me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."

The statement "Full well ye reject the commandment of God..." sticks out to me like a beacon of light. The commandment of God, what is that? What does that commandment do to change us from who we are into what Christ has for us. "That ye may keep your own tradition." Why do we settle for what other's tell us about God, what others mandate for our lives, what other's prophesy over us? Why do we listen to lies, to deceit, to the enemy of God that "walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." The only thing that I can bring as an answer is that which I've experienced in my life, and am trying to push through right now. I speak of not knowing really who God is. Christ asked Peter, who do men say I am. Peter gives all these illustrious and well deserved responses to that question. After Peter finishes, Christ says, "Who do you say I am?" Peter responds with the most profound and life changing words of "You are the Christ, the Son of God." Christ blesses him saying, "Blessed are you, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Spirit."

Wow, I want to catch ahold of that thought "You are the Christ, the Son of God." I don't want it to be the type of person that has to go to church every Sunday and be reminded of that, I want it to be a new everyday realization that Christ is the reason why we live, the reason why He has placed us on this earth. Not just so we can come up with good doctrine and have all the terminology figured out so we can be good at the "spiritual game." Cool Hand Luke writes: "If I'm supporting actor, then the Oscar goes to You." So often I want to be that person in the limelight, receiving the accolades when Christ, who has placed me in a position and ultimately gave me life sits in the back, covered up because we're too ashamed of admitting that He was truly the reason why we are where we are.

Oh Lord, let it be the cry of our heart to know you in a deeper way, a way that is described in I Peter 3:7. Reveal to us the deepest emotions of your heart as we draw near to you and empty ourselves of the traditions that we've set up in our life. Thank you Jesus, we love You!