How can we discern between human traditions and God's commandments in our lives? Setting the Scene: Tradition Meets Truth (Matthew 15:1–3) “Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, ‘Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.’ Jesus replied, ‘And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?’” (Matthew 15:1-3) • Religious leaders treasured a hand-washing ritual that Scripture never required. • Jesus exposed the deeper issue: elevating a human custom above God’s clear command. What Jesus Exposed: The Danger of Elevating Tradition • “You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” (Mark 7:8) • “Therefore the Lord said: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.’” (Isaiah 29:13) • The pattern: when tradition sits on the throne, hearts drift and obedience fades. Scripture’s Litmus Test for Every Practice “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Origin – Does it come from the written Word? (Deuteronomy 4:2) • Consistency – Does it agree with the whole counsel of God? • Purpose – Does it foster love for God and neighbor? • Fruit – Does it produce humility, repentance, and holiness? • Christ-centeredness – Does it magnify the finished work of Jesus? (Colossians 2:8) Practical Steps to Discern Traditions in Daily Life • Spend unhurried time in Scripture each day; the more we know God’s voice, the easier false notes are spotted. • Lay every custom—family, cultural, church—next to the text. Keep what aligns; discard what contradicts. • Invite mature believers to weigh in; iron sharpens iron. • Ask the Spirit to unveil motives hidden under “the way we’ve always done it.” • Examine the outcome: traditions that choke love, joy, or gospel witness need pruning. Common Areas Where Tradition Sneaks In • Worship styles, service times, or music preferences • Holiday observances and seasonal rituals • Dress codes or appearance expectations • Parenting and schooling models • Church programs and leadership structures • Social and political affiliations (No category is automatically wrong; each simply requires Scriptural evaluation.) Encouragement to Hold Fast to God’s Word “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Human traditions shift like sand; God’s commands stand rock-solid. Keep Scripture open, hearts soft, and Christ exalted, and discernment will flourish. |
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