Re:Verse reading–Acts 17:10-12, 16-34 (day six)
And Paul went in, as was his custom… Acts 17:2
A custom is “something that is done regularly by a person.” (Merriam-Webster) In Paul’s case he had gospel customs, or missionary customs; things he did regularly to introduce others to the person and work of Jesus. When he would come to a new city or town, he would always go to synagogue first (if the city had one) to teach his fellow Jews about Jesus. Only after spending time with his brethren would he then turn his attention to the gentiles in the city, searching for people of peace (those open and responsive to the Gospel) in the marketplace and “spiritual” places.
Certainly, there is much to learn from Paul’s customs, but will you first consider with me one thing? Right now, what are your Gospel customs? Do you have any? Should you? Should we as a church family? Sorry, that is way more than one thing, but it is well worth our while to consider such things.
I learn about a culture through activities that an organization commits to itself and others regularly and how members of a culture conduct their personal or organizational practices over and over again for a very long time. A custom is a tradition of a practice or an application.
Usually, people who come from the same country, culture, or religion have their own customs or traditions. Each person may have his or her own customs or traditions. Each family has its own family customs or traditions. Customs and traditions tell us what is important for someone, in their society or in their organization. Certain practices, applications, ceremonies or rituals are customs and are practiced and valued by organizational members and by respective organizations.
An example of FBCSA custom that I am aware of is the FBCSA Annual Commitment Campaign around this time of year. It is an FBCSA customary thing and it is an annual campaign activity. We can expect to hear it again around this time next year and every year forward. It is important to FBCSA and to FBCSA church members.
We find a meaningful and joyful life and happy well-beings or a happy and joyful spiritual life through our own customary or usual practices. My tradition, for example, at the personal level has been celebrating annually both the Western new year and the Lunar new year, and for the spiritual life has been participating in certain regular church activities and programs.
What are your customs or traditions at FBCSA? How long have you engaged in these activities? Are these practices weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually ones? Do you consider some of these activities custom or non-custom ones?