“The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4).  Faith is an essential component to cultivating and to maintaining fellowship with God.  Without faith no one can be pleasing to God (cf. Hebrews 11:6).  Faith affects the character of the believer, and faith affects the daily life he lives.  A man is not just without a right faith.  A man is not just without properly living by a proper faith.   

            ‘Tis the season.  Festive decorations have been hung in homes, stores, and city streets and squares.  Radio stations are playing new and old songs throughout the month.  Most people are busy shopping to find those special gifts for family and friends.  Many churches have put out their nativity scenes and are preparing for their annual Christmas service.   And the debate in our nation over Christmas continues.

Traditions are teachings, practices or customs, which have been passed down from person to person, from family to family, from generation to generation.   The apostles of Christ delivered the inspired instructions of the Lord Jesus, and that apostolic teaching is divine tradition because it has been “handed down” to us from God through His Son as it was revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets (cf. I Corinthians 11:2; 15:3; Ephesians 3:5-6).  Traditions which are from God and Christ are to be kept and observed.  Paul told the Christians in Thessalonica to hold to the traditions which they were taught (cf. II Thessalonians 2:15).

            Historically, Jews were known for not being good subjects during the Roman empire.  Governors were sent to keep peace in a land where political tensions ran high.  In the midst of that environment, Jesus Christ was questioned by Jews whether or not paying taxes to Caesar was lawful.  Jesus knew their real motive.  His wisdom and authority is clearly seen in the profound answer He gave.  “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21).  Christ was not a rival to Caesar, nor was His teachings antagonistic to the role of government.