Stand Fast and Hold the Traditions
by Ray Lacelle
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle”. (2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV) In the fall of 1982, I was a senior high school student. Patrick, one of my best friends and I had what we thought was a great idea for our school, so we took it to our principal. As student council rep’s we frequented Mr Ames’ office. He liked what we had in mind, but said we’d have to sell it to the school body. He stated, “Their vote will determine the outcome”. Our idea was to re-instate the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance each morning before school. You see, we couldn’t remember when we stopped this tradition, but now because we no longer did, it required a school-wide vote to get the Pledge back. Well, we lobbied our idea among our fellow students and then took a vote. We got the Pledge back! While I’m grateful for that outcome, Patrick and I have wondered a few times after graduating if they are still reciting the pledge and if not, how long our efforts made an impact on the students who came after us? What does that story have to do with today? A lot, actually. Can you think of some important values or traditions that you grew up with which have fallen by the wayside? If so, then I want to challenge you today to start doing something about it! 1) Dare to talk about those values in real world situations. If you don’t who will? 2) Take action to preserve those values. Do your best to lead by example. Taking your family to church would be a great step. 3) Swing for the fences! Don’t be afraid to take some risks to achieve great things for the benefit of those who are following in your footsteps.
Ray Lacelle has been the principal and administrator for Embassy Christian Academy in Porter, Texas, since he and his family founded the school in 2015. The Lacelle’s are souls oriented, reaching the un-churched and across denominational lines, serving through the school where they lead, in churches, through the media, and workshops which they have written and facilitate. Ray’s first book is scheduled to be published this fall: “Pray the Promises (not the Problems)”. To obtain your FREE copy of this e-book and to learn more about their ministry, go to ambassadorstothenations.org
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