Christianity has many traditions and I often mention "traditions" in my writing. A tradition is a custom or belief that is passed down from generation to generation without written instruction, or a doctrine believed to have divine authority though not in the Scriptures.
Now just because something is a tradition doesn't mean it is bad. In the early ages of the church many things were taught by tradition. They were taught by mouth and passed down through the generations.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Traditions can also form on their own through family customs, ideas, beliefs etc. Sometimes through our own traditions we can end up working against God. This has been continually happening throughout history.
Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Tradition is a powerful thing; They are like habits. We come to hold onto our traditions as parts of our own being. This creates a problem because sometimes our traditions conflict with the truth of Scriptures and we end up twisting Scripture to fit our traditions. We should always seek the truth with all readiness of mind and be willing to accept it wherever the Spirit leads us.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Many professing Christians hold beliefs founded on tradition, some right and some wrong. Today we have access to a great amount of Biblical resources so it's easier to discern truth but still many gather for worship and accept what they hear, often without question. Each group teaches their own traditions and many times these lead to divisions in the body of Christ.
This is my word to you: Be aware and willing to listen; Test all things, and hold on to what is good. The truth is preserved and the truth does exist. We all have something to share if we can listen to each other.
Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
