One preacher shared an interesting incident. One young man had to travel through thick forest in his vehicle alone. It was late night and he had to stop for a short nap to continue his journey. When he stopped he was scared to death? Born in a Christian family, but without any personal relationship with Lord, he drew a circle and drew the symbol of cross along the circumference and laid down in the midst. In the night he could hear evil spirits speaking to one another: “This person is a pot with a hole but has Kings seal around him. We cannot touch him.” Waking up scared, he realized he has not accepted Lord as savior, prayed like prodigal son, was born-again. Now, he was sealed by the Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13) Lord will not break a bruised reed or snuff out smoldering lamp. (Isaiah 42:3)
Interestingly, the symbol of cross drawn with weak or ill-understood faith was honoured by God and this man was protected. Yes, Christian children draw a symbol of cross when they cross dark streets or when alone at home. After prayers, Catholics draw sign of cross indicating they are crucified with Christ. Many Christian parents and priests mark sign of cross on foreheads to bless. Are these traditions or spiritual exercise? Symbolic acts are in the Bible. Moses stretched his rod over Red Sea and miraculously the sea was divided. That does not mean, Moses could do that over any water-body to create a way.
Scaffolding is essential when a building is constructed, when concrete is laid. After the completion of curing of concrete, the scaffolding is removed. In the same way, scaffolding of ‘childish traditions’ have to go. “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” (I Corinthians 13:11)
Am I childish in spiritual growth or mature?