Blinded by the Light 15 Superstition - The Trap

We condemn those who worship idols, and sacred places, yet we have constructed a whole set of rules about what we should wear and what we should do when we meet together. We are superstitious about our church buildings as 'The Lord's House'. God no longer needs a house, since he dwells in our hearts (1 Cor.3:16).

There are many unwritten rules about dress and behaviour, which the visitor or new Christian can cross unknowingly. Criticism and disapproval can put someone off and drive them away. The important thing is that they come to church to learn the gospel and worship God, not how they dress. Young children can be unwelcome in services because they can be noisy and disruptive. This precludes their parents as well, thus preventing more people from coming to God.

Such superstitious behaviour has caused problems, for example, with those who come seeking Christ from unsavoury backgrounds. The tramp, the drug addict, the hooligan with no manners, are all turned away by our disapproval of their 'inappropriate' dress and behaviour in meetings. Jackie Pullinger, when she began to convert the drug addicts in Hong Kong, found them unwelcome in the local Christian churches, and was forced to start a church of her own - something she was against doing. And closer to home, those working with Teen Challenge in our own streets, find great difficulty in finding churches who will welcome the young people they reach.

The Sabbath day was ordained for man to rest, not as the special day on which to worship God. We are supposed to "pray continually" (1 Thes.5:17), not just on Sundays.

There is nothing wrong in the wearing of a cross or sign of the fish, except when it is attributed with special powers to make the wearer feel safe or comforted. Being superstitious about this jewellery is akin to idol worship.

Previous posts in this series:
Introduction
Legalism: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Magic Formulas: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Answers to Everything: The Truth,The Trap, The Solution
Scripture Twisting: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Superstition: The Truth

Further posts to come in this series:
Superstition: The Solution
Elitism: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
The Need to See: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Conclusion

Blinded by the Light 14 Superstition - The Truth

The early Christians met together in the temple courts and in their homes (Acts 2:46-47). They held on to the promise that wherever two or three are gathered, Jesus would be there (Matt.18:20). They did not need to have a special building in which to meet. They had no special ceremonies apart from baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Col.2:16-17)

In the centuries since then, Christians have built their own places of worship, into which has gone much loving care, as a token of their love for God. Rituals have developed with the intention of glorifying God and assisting us to worship him. We like to have pictures and items with Christian symbols to remind and encourage us, and in those countries where Christians are not persecuted, are proud to wear a cross or other symbol as a sign to others of our faith.

But all these things are only embellishments, and are not an essential part of our relationship with God. They remind, inspire, assist us, but we must not become dependent upon them.

Should we behave differently in certain places? Or should we be "in Christ' at all times and in all places?" (Gal.2:20). Are certain places, times or objects endowed with special spiritual powers? Or can we be used by God and in touch with God anywhere? Cannot God see us everywhere and whatever we do?

Previous posts in this series:
Introduction
Legalism: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Magic Formulas: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Answers to Everything: The Truth,The Trap, The Solution
Scripture Twisting: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Further posts to come in this series:
Superstition: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Elitism: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
The Need to See: The Truth, The Trap, The Solution
Conclusion