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MOMMA
TOLD ME
7But
refuse profane and old wives' fables,
When I
was a child my mother told me fables and old wive's tales to keep me in
line.
There's nothing new in this,
we all grew up
hearing the same. It's tradition. It's what is to be expected....
And it's to be forgotten
once we become an
adult.
Fables serve two functions primarily. One they serve as illustrations.
They provide a simple picture of a hard-to-understand concept that the
uninitiated can grasp.
Jesus used word pictures often to
explain a
Spiritual Truth to our carnal minds. He did not lie in order to get His
point across, but rather He illustrated His point using common,
everyday experiences. He also knew, and fully intended, that if we did
not
understand what He was saying in this lifetime; eventually we would
understand them (the Judgement).
The second reason fables might be used is for entertainment.
Don't we all love a good
story? If it were
not for our love of stories we would not have books or movies or TV.
Facts are all we would have, and facts get stale quickly. Remember
having to study facts in school?
Fables are used to explain
the things to
children that really have no explanation, or are hard for young minds
to comprehend.
Easter and Christmas are two
such examples.
We explain to them how these days are to remember the birth, and the
death of our Savior.
The problem with this comes,
not from the
child, but from our own minds.
The child asks: "If it's
Jesus birthday, why
don't we give Him a present? And why does Santa Clause bring us the
presents? And how does his reindeer fly? And why do we have Easter
bunnies instead of crosses if Easter is about Jesus' death?" And the
questions go on and on.
The child knows that none of
what he or she
is being told makes sense; and so do you. But Tradition dictates the
continuation of these fables and the manner in which they are
performed, in spite of the fact that they make no sense and serve no
useful purpose.
Fables for Fable's sake.
There is a third form of fable we rarely consider as fable, one we try
to avoid, yet it is very likely that we indulge in them ourselves -
daily.
These fables are used, not
to illustrate,
nor to entertain - but to manipulate.
A better word for this form
of manipulation
would be "Lies." But since we are guilty ourselves of using them, we
shy away from calling our self a liar.
"I've got a tummyache and can't go to school." And this one for adults:
"I've got a cold, cough, cough, and can't come in to work today."
The truth is it's a beautiful day and the fish are biting.
Here's another one that you
women can relate
to; "We couldn't make it to church (or PTA meeting, or Aunt Matilda's
birthday, or whatever else) because the kids were sick." Meanwhile
little Suzie is tugging hard at your skirt while shaking her head that
what you have said just ain't so.
Did you notice how your
heart twinged a bit
when I said these are lies and not just fables? Did you notice how
quickly your brain got into the act in effort to convince yourself that
what I said was not correct - at least not for you?
It's human nature to cover up for our own misdeeds, while violently
condemning others for doing the same things, Jesus used the Mote and
the Log to illustrate that point.
And every prisoner will
point at someone
else who in his eyes is a much worse a criminal than he himself in
order to vindicate himself.
Outright lies and obvious manipulations anger us. We call people who
habitually use these manipulations; Con men; or Seedy; or the
Good-for-nothing relative who can't be pryed out of the house.
But manipulative fables are
not only used by
the dregs of society; no indeed. They are also popular with Politicians
and Kings - and teachers.
Teachers use fables to
illustrate, but they
also use them to sway their student toward one set of beliefs or
another. Consider Humanism, Evolution, and .... in the past I could
have added "Patriotism," but that has become a bad word (except with
Presidents) and in the opposite direction of Universal Brotherhood that
is now being taught.
And if you are not going to
Public school
but rather a church school, you are being taught their doctrines.
And the list does not end with teachers.
Momma is notorious for the
Manipulative
Fable.
"If you don't eat your
asparagus you won't
grow up to be president."
"Eat all your food because
children are
starving in China."
"If you don't stop doing
that you will go
blind."
You can add in your favorite
Manipulative
Fable here_________________.
Parents often use fables in order to instruct the child toward what
will be best for him or her. Fables are easier to understand for the
child than the truth, and far quicker and easier to utilize.
The problem comes when the
child grows older
and realizes that what his mother told him was not true - and either
considers his mother a fool, or at best just disregards any of her
advise because he considers it as nonsense.
Parents have manuvered
around that problem
using Modern Technology; they let the TV and the Computer educate their
children - then blame the machines when the child goes astray.
Why do Politicians use fables? They are like magicians; they show you
one hand while the other performs work they don't want you to see. Then
when the "trick" doesn't work, they display their other hand with which
they cover your eyes or point with it to someone else.
But the object of this article is not about the fables of Politicians,
or of teachers, or of parents.
Eventually these fable
become uncovered to
one degree or another. Often it is too late to do anything about them,
but they are recorded in history, even if only in our own diary.
Parents suffer for their
fables rather soon
in life. It comes when their child goes astray, no longer has faith in
them, or when the child is not there to assist them in their hour of
need.
Politicians and teachers
will suffer their
reward, whatever that might be, eternally.
I was in the Army when I had my Great Awakening to the fables my mother
told me. I had complete faith in my mother and her fables, believing
that she was a wise lady and would not deceive an innocent child such
as myself.
As with any young soldier, I
shared some of
my wisdom with my fellow soldiers; And was laughed out of the barracks.
One-by-one I began to
re-evaluate everything
my mother ever told me. I concluded by stating that I would not only
disregard anything she had ever told me, but to never again believe
anything she had to say.
And I don't think my experience is unique. I suppose many, if not most
people have a story to tell similar to my own.
But how many of us who have
such a story
still tell fables to their own children, or to the children of others
if they are a teacher?
Often we continue fables because we do not know any other way, or
because it's
easier, or - because it has become Tradition.
On occasion the news media tells a story of a tragic hazing gone bad.
Now we know that each of those doing the hazing had to endure hazing
themself as a Freshman. And every one of them hated the experience, and
hated the ones who performed the hazing.
Yet a great many of them
could not wait to
be a Senior so they could haze some other young Freshman.
Tradition serves several purposes. Tradition makes it easy to know just
what to do, and just what to think. You do and think the very same
thing you are taught to do and think, insuring that your actions and
thoughts will be accepted and agreed with by all those in your circle
of acquaintances.
The alternative to following
Tradition is to
rebel and strike out on your own. This is dangerous because you are in
uncharted waters and could sink very easily, or be forced to return to
the Traditional with your tail between your legs. You might be
fortunate enough to find others who have rebelled as you have; but to
stay in their circle, you must follow the Traditions they have
laid out.
Traditions create a Comfort Zone. You know right where you fit when you
are following Tradition. You know the "Pecking Order," and you know to
whom you should go if you have a question you want answered. And if
that
Tradition has been around long enough, there will be a Manual of
Doctrines telling you just what you must do, or what you must think in
any given situation.
If you do not wish to think,
or to do that
which has been laid out in the Manual, you must either find another
group who follows the Tradition you wish to follow, or create one of
your own. Then you can lay out the Traditions others must follow in
order to be Non-Traditionalists like yourself.
People love Traditions. People need Traditions. People do not have the
time, nor the capacity, nor the desire to figure out what to do, or
what to think. They want, and need to find someone to tell them what is
right and what is wrong. And once they have found that person (or
Tradition) they will follow that person through hell if necessary - as
long as they don't have to think.
Hitler, Jim Jones and David
Keresh proved
that point quite well.
Try to convince any of Hitler's youth, or Jim Jones' followers that
they were being misled. Show them the facts. It would be useless. They,
as well as Hitler and Jim Jones themselves were firmly rooted in their
belief that they were right.
It was not facts that any of
them wanted. It
was either to be a Leader, a Messiah - or to be a follower of one who
believed himself to be a Messiah, or at least one who could lead them
to one who believed himself to know all the answers.
All the Traditions mentioned in this article are wrong. And we all know
they are wrong and accept it as so.
And we all know that many
other Traditions
could be added to this list, because there have been myriads of
Traditions and Leaders that have proven themselves to have fallen far
short of the "Perfection" they claimed to possess.
There is but little doubt
that you follow
one Tradition or another. In fact there may be several Traditions you
follow; such as Traditions for work, or play, or school, or baton
twirling.
Every facet of life has its
Tradition. Break
those Traditions and you will feel the wrath of those who are following
them. As an example, go to a restaurant and try breaking with
Tradition. You will at best be asked to leave, and may possibly be
assisted out by a policeman.
Most Traditions are easy to follow, and create no conflict. In this
country Traditions are few and pretty well laid out for us. There are
exceptions, of course. There are the non-conformists and the rebel
groups. But there are not many of them, and their Traditions are easily
grasped and readily recognized.
Proponents of any Tradition believe they are right, and the rest of the
world is wrong. This attitude provides each member of that Tradition a
feeling of being special in their own mind, and in the minds of others
(or mindlessness, which is more often the case, considering that
Traditions are designed to prevent one from having to, or being able to
think).
In most cases Traditions produce little consequence to their followers.
Hitler, Jim Jones, Waco and Heaven's Gate being obvious exceptions. PTA
rules of conduct, Restaurant etiquette, and work ethics (other words
used in place of Tradition) do not hinder us in any way while providing
for smooth operation, which helps all involved have a happier and more
productive existence.
Jesus and the Apostles had much to say about Tradition. However, the
consequences for following the wrong Traditions are quite severe
according to them. A few of their statements are provided for your
investigation below.
The chances are you belong to one denomination or another. If not, then
the chances are you are a follower of one religion or another. Barring
that, the assumption would be that you do not believe in God at all,
and your eternity has already been decided for you, and you probably
know that already.
But those of you in a church Denomination; You have very likely been
told, and therefore believe, that you are following the only Tradition
that will lead you to an Eternity of Bliss.
Look around you. Do you see all those other Denominations that believe
almost what you believe, yet you have been told that they are all going
to hell without passing Go? Considering what has been said about other
faithful groups like the ones mentioned above, and the consequential
discovery that they were faithfully wrong-- how can you be certain that
you are right?
Churches are designed to put
their followers
at peace about their position and their purposes - and their destiny.
We all need this assurance. Without this assurance we wouldn't bother
to align ourselves with any Tradition at all.
And the PTA and the Elks,
and the Hippie
movements - and especially the churches would all fold for lack of
attendance or interest.
Salvation is out there. And the Truth is out there. And Jesus said that
He would send Someone to help us find it.
But if you are looking to
someone to do the
searching for you; if you are relying on the integrity of a pastor, or
a tradition, then you had better hope that his name doesn't end up on
the list with Hitler, Jim Jones and David Keresh.
[ It is estimated that more than 95% of professing Christians do not
bother to read the Bible. How many less do you figure are "diligently"
seeking the Word for Truth? And of those, how many do you think have
the Holy Spirit guiding them? And do you think a person can have the
Holy Spirit within them and not have a great thirst to search the
Scriptures that He wrote, and that will bring you closer to the Lord,
who He was sent here to bring you to?
If you agree with any of
what I have just
told you; how many so-called Christians do you think will make it to
Heaven?
And where do you think you
fit into the
equation?
What Tradition do you
follow? ]
REFERENCES
4Neither
give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions,
rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1Tim 1:)
19Because
that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed
it unto them. 20For
the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish
heart was darkened. 22Professing
themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Rom 1:)
1I
charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2Preach
the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after
their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears; 4And
they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables. (2Tim 4:)
7But
refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto
godliness. (1Tim 4:)
9Holding
fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by
sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10For
there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of
the circumcision: 11Whose
mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which
they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 12One
of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13This
witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound
in the faith; 14Not
giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from
the truth. 15Unto
the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is
defiled. 16They
profess that they know God; but in works they deny him,
being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
(Titus 1:)
16For
we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto
you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2Pet 1:)
1Then
came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2Why
do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash
not their hands when they eat bread. 3But
he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the
commandment of God by your tradition? 4For
God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that
curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5But
ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift,
by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6And
honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye
made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7Ye
hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8This
people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with
their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9But
in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of
men. (Mat 15:)
5Then
the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples
according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen
hands? 6He
answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you
hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me. 7Howbeit
in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of
men. 8For
laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as
the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9And
he said unto them, Full
well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own
tradition. 10For
Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father
or mother, let him die the death: 11But
ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that
is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he
shall be free. 12And
ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13Making
the word of God of none effect through your tradition,
which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (Mark 7:)
8Beware
lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the
tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after
Christ. (Col 2:)
6Now
we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye
withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not
after the tradition which he received of us. (2Thes 3:)
17Charge
them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor
trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy; 18That
they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute,
willing to communicate; 19Laying
up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20O
Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust,
avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely
so called: 21Which
some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee.
(1Tim 6:)
14Of
these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord
that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of
the hearers. 15Study
to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16But
shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness. 17And
their word will eat as doth a canker: (2Tim 2:)
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