Tradition Troubles

Have you ever done anything because its “tradition”?  Have you ever heard someone say, “We have always done it this way, that’s why?”  Some traditions make sense, like waiting for the entire family before eating Thanksgiving Day Dinner.  Some traditions are harmless, like taking down the Christmas decorations on New Year’s Day.  But what if a tradition goes against God?

In looking at 1 Kings 1:1-8 we find Abiathar the priest, siding with Adinojah who is proclaiming himself King.  Sure the oldest son, Amnon, which tradition says should have the throne after David was killed by the second brother Absalom.  Absalom then himself being killed in his failed rebellion against his father.  So tradition would say that Adinojah should be King.  And Abiathar who had been so loyal to David all his life, sided with Adinojah. 

But God had other plans!  God was not consulted by Abiathar.  For this, in the end Abiathar lost his right to be a priest and, if it were not for the kindness of Solomon, would have certainly lost his life.

The danger in tradition is that it keeps us from taking responsibility to think things through in the light of God’s will.  Before we just go along with the crowd out of “tradition” maybe we should learn to consult God, and His will.  After all in His will is where we are to be!

Scripture reference 1 Kings 1:1-8; 1 Kings 2:26-27