I remember when as a kid there were some things that Mom & Dad taught me and my siblings growing up in Brooklyn. These lessons were taught to us for our protection and for basic survival in life . I appreciated and honored these teachings and learned how to apply them in life as I grew and matured. We all at some point in our lives had some teaching and guidance whether it be from a parent or relative, teacher, coach etc., in order to develop & be productive in society. These lessons have made us who we are as adults in the world. However, there are some things that as Christians that we begin to acquire that may conflict with what was a traditional belief system. In the Bible there is a story in 2 Kings Chapter 17 where I learned that the people of Israel were disobedient to God’s commands. They were removed from their land as a result, and God allowed the King of Assyria to move other tribes into the land. However, these tribes wanted to worship their own gods in this new land. They were also disobedient, so the Lord sent lions to attack & kill them. This king ended up sending out for a priest from Israel to come back & teach the people about what God required. They learned but still wanted to worship their own gods also. How do we walk in the word of God as Christians but still give allegiance sometimes unknowingly to the traditional or “worldly” things in our lives? Are we being disobedient in  what we choose to worship? Are we “idol-worshipping” in how we handle our finances, raise our children, in the workplace, or in our relationships if it conflicts with the word of God? I think about Romans 12:1-2 that speaks of offering our bodies as living sacrifices; our bodies being everything that makes us who we are! Think about how the world lives & thinks! Have you walked in Customs so long that it has blocked the plans God has for you? Assessment time: Maybe it’s time to decipher what is Custom & what is Covenant in your Life! Live & Be Blessed!