FCA ResourcesDevotional
Keep the Meaning in Motion
Ready
“So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.” — Colossians 2:6-7
Set
Summers near San Clemente, California meant Junior Lifeguards which in turn meant ocean safety drills, surfing and a legendary 2-mile swim from the pier around Seal Rock. It was a rite of passage for teens. But then came the sharks—Great Whites started showing up to feed on the seals or swimmers who looked like seals. What did the lifeguards do? They added spotters, patrol boats, aircraft and safety checks. They kept the tradition because it was meaningful and changed lives.
“Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.”– Jaroslav Pelikan
Likewise, Paul reminds us to be rooted and growing in Christ. We are not held hostage by stagnant ritual or surface-level appearances. Jesus’ followers are built to live bold, grounded, honest faith. That means asking real questions, making tough evaluations, challenging culture and building habits that align with truth—not trends.
Whether you lead, coach or follow, ask yourself: Do our traditions build legacy—or liability? Are our habits rote—or reflective? Are our steps life-changing—or lackluster? Are our practices cosmetic—or classic (designed to last)?
Don’t let your team, your faith or your life get hijacked by surface-level stuff. Guard the fire of faith. Let your actions light the path for others—something deeper than nostalgia and stronger than routine. When tradition becomes performance, it loses power. Purpose carries weight. Faith traditions shouldn’t be a loop on repeat; they should be a legacy in motion. Keep it real. Keep it rooted. Keep the meaning in motion—not mechanical, but alive.
Go
- Recall one tradition, from your team, family or church. What was its original purpose? Has it lost meaning or is it something worth holding onto?
- Have you ever encountered someone who said, “We’ve always done it that way?” Should you try to change something that has become “muscle memory”?
- How would you respond to someone who calls your faith outdated or routine?
Overtime
“Abba, keep me from the path of complacency. Deliver me from the siren song of shallow faith and purposeless religion. Let me run forever in Your truth, eternally in Your grace and forevermore in Your love. Amen”
Group