A social media site recently posted that tradition is just peer pressure from dead people.
The statement was clearly a joke, but there’s a degree of truth in the words.
Peer pressure has taken on a negative connotation, but it’s not always bad. Social standards from our equals (our peers) can support better hygiene, improved schools, and higher social integrity.
Take honesty. Traditions of honesty are discovering what worked for our ancestors (mom, dad, gramps, and so on) and applying that to our daily lives.
We do much of it naturally. If our parents regularly kept a rainy-day fund, we’re likely to do the same. Returning extra change? Yes, that comes from our parents and grandparents, also.
Let’s look at 4 Traditions for Honesty from the Bible.
Tradition No. 1:
Leviticus 25:14 says we must be fair in our business dealings. We can’t take advantage using scrupulous business practices.
“And if you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.”
Tradition No. 2:
Psalm 37:21 says defaulting on our obligations is bad for us and for those around us.
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”
Tradition No. 3:
Leviticus 25:17 says to respect others as deserving of God’s blessings.
“You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God, for I am the Lord your God.”
Tradition No. 4:
Colossians 3:9-10 says the truth is never overrated. We must be the person inside that others see on the outside.
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
We learn from the past. Our traditions instruct us to a better today. Our future is bright when we remember those who’ve come before us.
History is our guide. We don’t want to get lost along the way.
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Code: FGO.H.28.19a.vp.esv