Many of us spend our lives chasing dreams and providing for those that mean the most to us. We chase these dreams as if the rewards will last forever and if we fail in those desires then our life is less satisfying. This had been my mindset for a long time. I felt that my goals with my business were crucial, do or die neccessities. And in those pursuits, God, the one who created me, was put on the back burner in the name of “religion.” I think this is what allowed my mind to backslide and my heart to ignore God’s presence. Having attended many different churches I felt like attendance was just another past time. I did not recognize the severity of life and death and what comes to pass when it is over. I found myself confused when I did try to open my mind to “religion” because with each different church I attended there were different “rituals” that sometimes conflicted with a previous church I attended. What I am learning is that many of the “rituals” and “traditions” have been created by man. Many of these “traditions” are not mentioned in the bible nor a requirement for salvation. Now that does not mean that such “traditions” and “rituals” are wrong or bad. Many of them honor God and I would assume pleases God…until those “traditions” are shared in a way that another is expected to believe that they are necessary…or else.

I seen a post from a young lady the other day that was very misleading and surely caused her to be confused. And I believe that is the problem with people opening their hearts to God. The post said something like “shout out to all those that had sex before marriage but cannot eat meat on Friday.” With all of these “traditions” created by man people feel that there are so many rules that they could not ever truly comply. No sex before marriage is a commandment from God whereas not eating meat on Friday is a human tradition in honoring God. And ultimately we all fall short of the glory of God.

Salvation is so much simpler than all of the man made traditions. Repent (turn away from) your sins, seek forgiveness and believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Put God first in your life…head of your family, CEO of your business, CFO of your finances, etc. Does that mean life will then become perfect? No, God does not promise that you will gain all that you seek in this world. What He does promise is that after we have experienced the good and bad of this world, and regardless of our successes and failures, satisfactions and disappointments we will depart this world and can spend eternity in peace with Him.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:4-5

It does not matter whether you raise your hands in church or sit silently, it does not matter if you memorize a prayer or speak from your heart, it does not matter if you follow “rituals” or “traditions” or not. It does not matter if you read King James bible or NIV bible. It does not matter if you listen to gospel or modern day Christian music. It does not matter if you tithe thousands of dollars or pennies. What matters is that you repent and believe and allow Jesus to be Lord of your life. He is the way, the truth and the light.

Never condemn another for not participating in a “tradition or ritual” as you risk turning them away from our saviour. Only God knows the hearts and minds of man.

Please remember I am no expert in theology…I am a simple man the same as you, that has come to realize that the word of God is a literal guide to life and the promises to come. When you take the literal instructions to heart instead of trying to twist the content to your desires His love, grace and mercy become so much more clear.

May you have a blessed day.