Many church traditions and ministry ideas can be tracked back into time to see where they began. Some of these then escort us right out of Christianity into other more sinister human religions and practices from the past.

Those that cause us to directly disregard something that Jesus taught or began himself are problematic. And if this is the case it means he is likely to not be ok with them at all. Regardless of how much we enjoy them and want to perpetuate them. If he isn’t for then we should prune them out as soon as possible.

Traditions can be and often do represent strong and direct challenges to the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.

But, there is even a more serious issue when it comes to tradition in our Christian practices. That is simply not caring whatsoever that Jesus is not ok with something and continuing it, even teaching it anyhow to the next generation. That is another much more serious issue altogether, one that can even pit us against the one we call Lord.

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I say?” – Jesus Christ

I think that arguing and doing conflict should be mandatory in all businesses, churches, and families. Love of truth does not punish disagreement and it does not abandon people who disagree on big issues. It even readily acknowledges when it is wrong with honesty. When everyone has the motive of getting at the truth conflict is a powerful tool for groups of people.

But shutting others down, cold shouldering, feigned politeness (to avoid conflict) and demand conformity is the real divisiveness. Conflict is not divisiveness as long as it is done with the correct motive. Punishing conflict passively is a subtle form of divisiveness… so we don’t confront it. We barely even acknowledge it.