The Lord appeared to the newly anointed King Solomon in a dream. Solomon, acknowledging his youth, asked God for an understanding heart, so that he could discern between good and evil. God was pleased with Solomon. He blessed Solomon but also directed him to continue in the proven ways of his father.

Christians sometimes get too eager to throw out the traditions and the old fashioned ways of doing things. The word “tradition” ends up being treated like a curse word in many churches. Unfortunately, the baby gets thrown out with the bathwater - and the devil loves it. It’s true that some traditions are stodgy, unnecessary, and, even sometimes, unbiblical (see Mark 7 and Colossians 2:8: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”) But, it’s also true that there’s wisdom in the traditions and the old fashioned ways of the church’s beloved fathers - even if they are uncomfortable. Paul writes, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught...” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). And further, “Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you” (1 Corinthians 11:2).

God pointed to Solomon’s father, a man after God’s own heart, as an example to define the expectations He had for Solomon. If Solomon was only focused on all the new things he could do as a leader, he would have missed the wisdom in King David’s proven approach. The old path is well-trodden for a reason. Often, those overly focused on the new ways of doing things miss the wisdom that is in the old ways. In actuality, the old ways must be honored at the same time the new ways are being nurtured and springing forth.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I praise You for the godly traditions that have been passed down from previous generations. I know it is true that many of our ancestors took their relationship with You more seriously than we do today. I pray that You help me get back to the roots of the true gospel, one that puts You above all else. I ask for spiritual discernment that I may hold fast to the Biblical ways of both the old and the new so I may revive my walk with you. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

If you were around great Christian examples in years gone by, ask yourself what they did that was different from what you are doing today. Look back at their lifestyles and glean from the example they set before you.