We’ve been exploring what is a Christian, using the art of parable.
Last couple of months we have spoken of a Christian as a shopping trolley, one that picks and chooses what aspects of faith they will accept, and those they’d prefer not to acknowledge.
We spoke of clothing label Christians, try this one on for size. Or of Christians who wear faith more like makeup … it’s a concealer of their true selves, rather than a transformer into new selves.
This month we look at Christians whose faith is more like nanna’s secret recipe, you know the one handed down from generation to generation.
Surely in your family there is that traditional dish that is passed down, maybe it’s a Christmas pudding made a certain way, or the Sunday roast with just the right type of crunch in the potatoes. Maybe I’m just making myself hungry and it’s getting close to a traditional Christmas meal!
We have an odd family tradition, come through my wife’s side, honey on tacos. Hey, it’s delicious!
While all these traditions are wonderful, it shouldn’t be that way in your faith. That you are Christian because your mum was, and her mum, and her mum before her.
If your faith is just a hand me down then it’s not faith, it’s tradition. Faith is personal, a true relationship with the Father direct. Not just at church on a Sunday, but a daily walk with God, the Father, standing right by you, communing with you, supporting, guiding, empowering.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 says “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”
If your walk in faith has been more like a generational gift like an heirloom… something handed down, this is a true blessing you have received. But, it is so much more than just a secret recipe or family treasure, you can have a deep personal relationship each and every moment.
Seek more than tradition, more than just a method, seek the Way.
