Tradition versus Faith


“...we want a king over us. Then we shall be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”

1 Samuel 8:19-20 (NIV)

 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Tradition as ‘an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behaviour (such as a religious practice or a social custom)’ and Faith as ‘belief and trust in and loyalty to God’. (Emphasis mine)

It’s no news that the natural man has forgotten his true nature and become accustomed to the fallen nature so seamlessly he finds it difficult to relate to spiritual realities; the very fabric of his creation. This is true for most characters through scripture it’s almost as if we humans never learn from the tragedies of those that have gone ahead.  Hence, it was no surprise when the Israelites having dwelt in Egypt for 430years requested for a ‘human’ king after their exodus. They had watched a physical king go out before the soldiers in battle and had heard of and seen other nations have Kings over them, so they became accustomed to it. Their then environment established a custom within them relegating their true identity and using it only as an advantage when they were really in trouble.  But was their environment a valid excuse? For we see Moses who was raised in the very palace of Egypt behaving differently.

You see, the validity of one’s faith is not tested in serenity but in the presence of difficulty and even fire. It’s easy to believe God when you are surrounded by loved ones and believers.  However, what’s the story when you are passing through fire or are in a ‘godless place’? What then becomes your stand?

For some, it’s not really about being godless but getting accustomed to mediums God used in the past, making a tradition out of it which we sometimes call doctrines as a means of seeking ‘safety’. Can you stop putting Him in a box? Would you give room for faith? The thing I love about faith is that it’s dynamic in its operation. It is not based on human wisdom, neither the ways of men but founded upon the understanding of truths as revealed by God to men through His Spirit and yes faith doesn’t always make sense, but it does answers.

Just as you’ll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, so you’ll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does. Eccl. 11:5 (MSG)

We are spirit beings and have been called to live by spiritual principles. Life will present a thousand options but when it does ask you to choose, always choose Faith over Tradition.

 

Are there experiences you would want to share? Feel free to do so in the comment box

Comments

  1. Anonymous15 June 2023 at 18:53

    Amazing write up. God bless you

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous15 June 2023 at 19:42

    This is a great piece. Very well presented and inspirational. You are indeed a gift to this generation. Keep it coming

    ReplyDelete
  3. manasseh15 June 2023 at 19:46

    Thank you for this

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lawan Bathnna15 June 2023 at 20:19

    Wonderful

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bello Adamu15 June 2023 at 20:40

    Powerful! Thank you so much for this great content ma. It blessed me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. REUBEN YILA15 June 2023 at 23:13

    Where the battle rages the loyalty of the soldier is proved... We are in a thug of war in this decrepit generation, meddled with distractions that seems enticing, all these are meant to enculturate and deviate us from the original plan of God for our lives. So in this crucible we must be deliberate in seeking the face of the father, our relationship with Him shouldn't suffer so that we can draw inner strength and our conviction in God will be made strong.
    May God help us to live a faithful christian life in Jesus name ...Amen🙏
    More grace Mamah🙌

    ReplyDelete

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