Keys to the Kingdom
When I discovered that I’d been peeling my bananas the hard way all my life, I was flabbergasted. I was discussing this shocking revelation with Levi, my son-in-law, and he said, “Yeah, peel it like a monkey.” I was knocked down a peg or two when I realized that all the monkeys around the world knew something I didn’t. I immediately changed my method of peeling a banana. However, I had to really concentrate on the new way because I was so used to starting at the stem. Old habits can be hard to break, but it’s possible if you want to change bad enough. What’s weird is that my parents must have peeled their bananas the same misguided way and taught me to do the same thing!
We subconsciously learn customs and traditions and, most of the time that’s great, but sometimes it’s not. Spiritual traditions of the heart are more critical to evaluate than other diverse traditions. I don’t want to be stubbornly set in my ways if they’re nothing more than unscriptural traditions of personal preference. I want the eyes of my heart to be flooded with the light and love of God‘s truth.
I’m not suggesting that Christ-followers question their beliefs that are firmly established in God’s Word. I’m merely challenging us to ask ourselves why we hold to certain traditions that are not founded in the Bible. The Holy Spirit always leads believers into truth, which is liberating and life-giving. Unfortunately, some people stubbornly reject the truth that God reveals to them. We must give ourselves and other believers the freedom to be who they truly are in Christ as we all study and practice the holy scriptures.
In the Book of John, Chapter 8, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus. They said, “The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” Jesus said, “All right, but let the one who’s never sinned throw the first stone!” One by one, all the accusers walked away. Jesus then asked the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?“ Her response was “No, Lord.“ Then Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.“ Changing the woman’s life was more important to Him than throwing stones. Jesus was the talk of the town that day because He told the scribes and Pharisees to clean up their own backyard. I want to drop the rocks of judgment and condemnation and just walk away and let Jesus do what only He can do.
When I do my best to follow Jesus, I won’t have the prideful desire to judge others. Keeping a close watch on my love walk will keep me out of the judge’s bench. “…I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people” (Acts 24:16 NLT). I want to generously extend mercy and point others to my loving heavenly Father. “God is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:7,8 NLT).
Spiritual traditions can be comforting to some, but they can also be suffocating to others. Let’s be careful not to throw any unfounded stones of tradition on another believer. Everyone is a unique individual who needs to live and breathe authentic freedom in Christ.
The Key: Know how to peel your own banana before you teach someone else.