Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Mood celebration or a Sabbath day. Colossians 2:16
Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. – Jaroslav Pelikan.
Paul is speaking to a congregation of new converts, gentiles, not Jews. Up until the resurrection Jewish people depended on strict adherence to Levitical law for guidance in religious behavior. But now, Jesus taught that loving God above all else and your neighbor as yourself, (Mark 12:28-34) was the key to the Kingdom of Heaven.
With the break from tradition, people were offended and arguments ensued. (Read all of Col. 2. It’s really good!)
Tradition can guide us forward, but Jesus did not sacrifice Himself on a cruel cross to assure we worship twice on Sunday and once through the week with three songs each service, a forty minute sermon, an offering in the middle and pot roast for dinner. Yes, the Sabbath is Holy, it is a time set aside for the exclusive acknowledgement of the ONE that gave His Son, and the Son that gave His life. That is love! There’s nothing traditional about that! SO! Do not be held hostage by traditionalism. Be an advocate and conduit of unconditional love in action.
Have a great Thursday!
Gretchen