Doing What's Been Done

"they did not obey,

but followed their former rituals"

2 Kings 17:40

A ritual is something established; a custom.  As a matter of fact, sometimes "ritual" is just a fancy word for "habit".  Both words imply longstanding routine.   But often it can constitute an act done mindlessly, done because that's what was done yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that.

Ritual especially implies religious ceremony.  But how many religious ceremonies are performed routinely?  Mindlessly?  And how much must it pain God when our efforts on His behalf are devoid of meaning, or caring?

But how much more must it pain Him when He gives instructions to us, and we choose instead to discard them in favor of the rituals we have always done?

Rituals and habits are easy; obedience is hard.  And one-time obedience is not enough.  Rituals are strong and insistent.  They blind us with their apparent simplicity, or the grandness of their tradition.  They are comforting.

But obedience is the higher calling.  Obedience will be greatly rewarded.  Obedience will increase our strength over our habits, rituals and customs. 

And what's more, our obedience will bring Him glory.

~ "All too well you reject the commandment of God,

  that you may keep your tradition" ~

Mark 7:9