…stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us…. — 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
Whenever I hear the words tradition I think of the musical Fiddler on the Roof where Tevya deals with the conflicts between his traditions and society’s changes. We all face such dilemmas with our own traditions versus change. Which traditions do we hold on to, and which traditions must change. Long ago as a new Episcopalian I witnessed with some amusement the arguments over modifying The Book of Common Prayer. Not having been raised in the Episcopal Church, I didn’t have the same attachment to the old prayer book like many of my friends and new family. It worked out.
But like Tevya there are some traditions that require us to “stand firm.” Millions have died standing firm over the basic tenants of their faith. This morning I spent some time asking myself what beliefs and traditions mandate that I stand firm. The questions and the answers are at the core of one’s faith, they certainly were for me. It was a healthy exercise, and put things in better perspective. I recommend you try it one day soon. Ask yourself, “Where do I stand firm?”
Leave a Reply +