1 TIMOTHY 1:3-4

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.

TO PONDER

Where have you recently heard arguments over doctrine, speculation over ancient myths and legends and conspiracies, or people creating controversy for the sole purpose of getting themselves noticed on the internet? It seems to happen on almost a daily basis.

Ritual and tradition are important. Some rituals and traditions bring stability and comfort, a sense of familiarity and reliability, in a world where change and chaos seem to be the headline of every newspaper. Yet when we get bogged down by those traditions and rituals, when they become the focus of debate and argument - they can sometimes have a negative effect. Provided that we remain faithful to the Word of God in Scripture, then how a church conducts its Sunday worship services is somewhat irrelevant. These things can distract us from what is really important, and that is, tending to the mission that God has given his church. To advance the work of Jesus and make disciples of all nations, baptising and teaching them the ways and the life of Jesus.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the heritage and traditions and faith of those who have helped lead me to faith in you. Help me to hold those things dearly, but also loosely, so that I may lay them aside if or when they become a barrier to others receiving the same gift of faith in you. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle