Apathy and the thought process that "it does not matter, just my relationship to Jesus matters". At least that is the opinion of some people I know, my wife being one. She is happy to attend and go along, but she is not going to do any study of other beliefs or Christian History, much less read anything from the Apostolic Fathers.
This is where the error is made. Those with a thirst for theology and bible study are often seeing their spiritual gifts at work. That’s where it comes from. The hunger and desire are borne of God.
You will have a greater interest doing those things than most. To assume everyone should behave the same is wrong. Its no different from the intercessor who spends hours praying and bemoans those who don’t. That’s unrealistic and so is this.
I don’t read those things. I’ve learned to pay attention to my disinterest and find the reason why. Truth be told, it doesn’t stir my spirit to the degree where I’d want to burrow myself in a book. And it isn’t the first subject or title that I reach for either.
Some turn outward for direction and encouragement or look to others instead. But I call the Doctor. Only He can help me navigate my situation here and now. I’m looking for a specific word for the challenge I’m facing.
While I value what I’ve found at the synagogue and appreciate all I’ve learned and yet to know. I lean on Paul’s words. And that’s Jesus Christ and His resurrection. My faith doesn’t rest on the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. That’s my anchor; it’s all.
I’ve built a storehouse of knowledge regarding religion. But that isn’t where God wants me. I focus on what He’s asked of me and built a lifestyle around its accomplishment from the ground up.
It has all my focus and whatever you devote your attention to will grow. That’s why I’m thriving. But that’s a gift in action as well. ;-)
Then there’s sanctification of course. His path for you won’t look like mine. It was custom designed for your person. As is true for everyone. For some, that’s tradition. For others its something else.
To suggest that those who aren’t walking along your road are misguided or lacking spiritual maturity is errant. If He wanted them there He’d send them. And what you’re really saying has less to do with them and everything to do with God.
If God wanted a singular Christian entity we’d have it. He permitted other options and knows how to guide people through the labyrinth to its exit.
I’m holding onto Him. You don’t know what’s around the bend. And you don’t have all the answers. You’ve got a smidgen. But He wrote the book.
I will never follow a tradition. But I’m glad they exist for those who will.
