TRADITION

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8

Although seemingly shrinking, there are good and sound philosophies out there. However, there are some hollow and deceptive philosophies that have grown up and are standing alongside the decent ones "which depend on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." 

"Human tradition" says - That is how WE have always done it, no need to change now. - even though change may be greatly needed. 

The "basic principles of this world" orbit around me, I, or self. If the enemy of our souls can use "hollow and deceptive philosophy" to sway our attention and affection onto the things of this world "rather than on Christ" then he is succeeding in his goal of spiritual blindness.

The Pharisees and teachers of the law were seduced by tradition. Consider this account that Jesus confronts them about in Mark 7:8-13 (New Living Translation) - 

• you ignore God's specific laws and substitute your own traditions." Then he said, "You reject God's laws in order to hold on to your own traditions. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: 'Honor your father and mother,' and 'Anyone who speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death.' But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, 'Sorry, I can't help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I could have given to you.' You let them disregard their needy parents. As such, you break the law of God in order to protect your own tradition. And this is only one example. There are many, many others."

Do you have traditions that have nothing to do with living the Chris-like life? Are there National traditions, Southern/Northern/Eastern/Western traditions, Family traditions, or Personal traditions that have a say in your Christian walk? Are there traditions in your life that when you use them as a defensive or offensive tool against others, the behavior DOES NOT line up with Scripture based Christian behavior?

There needs to be a serious Spring Cleaning of our holdouts. Some retrospective work is in order to find out what we cling to that is not needed to live a victorious life in Christ and give it to Him. Jesus knows exactly what to do with the nonsense-baggage we fiercely clench. If it comes to it, we need to allow Jesus to pry our fingers open one-by-one until we expose our tradition and He can receive it as we offer it to Him - For Keeps!