Traditions

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands." - Colossians 2:8-14

I was involved in a discussion just the other day about when it would be appropriate to celebrate Mother's Day. In the U.S. the day is this next Sunday. The same in South America. In Mexico, it is next Friday. It so happens that we attend a church that is a blend of Christians with several ethnicities and corresponding ethnic traditions. My response was "Este es los Estados Unidos."  Translation, "This is the United States". The implication - "when in Rome". Please do not misunderstand the purpose of the example. I think moms should be honored every day not just in May. Be it Sunday or Friday - take your pick - just don't forget to do it. 

My point is that, as Christians, we need to be sensitive to the fact that on the day of our rebirth, we were given a new ethnicity - with new traditions. 

"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" - 2 Corinthians 5:16-18

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28

Be careful about making ethnic distinctions between Christians. Be careful about taking pride in your natural heritage - but rather boast in your new spiritual heritage and the unity salvation brings no matter what country you are from or live in - what color your skin is - even what day you celebrate Mother's Day.

"I [Jesus] do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." - John 17:20-21

I have written about this before. The United States is a secular, social experiment. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all is our stated purpose. That is not exactly how it has played out. As a people, we are not one, but we are different groups that coexist in one country. The oneness we seek can only be found by faith in Jesus.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone