OBSERVANCE

One of the reasons I refuse to assign myself to any specific denomination is because of the ridiculous emphasis on religious tradition.

Romans 14:5-6 says, "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks."

Modern lukewarm Christians will say they can do anything they want as long as they believe that Christ died on the cross for their sins. However, they take this stance because they cannot fully pass up an invitation to the world's pleasures. Modern Pharisees and Sadducees will condemn those who do not uphold the law & their practices to the same standard. However, they don't take this stance because of their devout love for the Lord; they take it because they cannot pass up the world's invitation to power or status. We see both extremes in the Bible.

When in doubt, use this verse as a sin test.

Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

When I [insert action here], I do it in the name of the Lord.

We observe things in love to glorify God, not man & tradition.