How to prioritize God over traditions?
In what ways can we prioritize God's commandments over human traditions?

Listening to Jesus on Tradition

“...you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother.” (Mark 7:12)

Jesus exposes a tradition (declaring money “Corban”) that excused children from supporting their parents and directly violated God’s clear command to “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). His rebuke shows how easily man-made customs can push aside God’s voice.


Why Human Traditions Crowd Out God’s Word

- They feel familiar and culturally safe.

- They can offer a false sense of righteousness without true obedience (Isaiah 29:13).

- They may carry the authority of respected leaders, making them hard to question (Colossians 2:8).

- They often demand less sacrifice than wholehearted submission to God.


What It Looks Like to Put God First

- Treat Scripture as the final word. If a practice conflicts with it, Scripture wins—every time (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

- Obey even when it costs convenience, reputation, or finances (Acts 5:29).

- Measure “good ideas” by God’s revealed commands:

• Does this encourage love for God and neighbor?

• Does it align with the plain meaning of the text?

- Keep family responsibilities sacred. Jesus uses honoring parents as the test case; modern parallels include caring for aging relatives and protecting marriage vows.

- Reject loopholes dressed up as “religious.” Promising gifts to church or charity never cancels direct obligations God already assigned.

- Stay humble and teachable. God may expose long-held habits that need correction (Psalm 139:23-24).

- Surround yourself with believers who open their Bibles together, not just repeat slogans (Proverbs 27:17).


Everyday Habits That Guard the Heart

- Daily Bible reading with the intent to obey, not merely accumulate knowledge (James 1:22-25).

- Memorize key passages that confront cultural pressure—John 14:15; Matthew 15:6; Romans 12:2.

- Speak God’s Word aloud in the home so children learn to weigh tradition against truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

- Invite accountability; give trusted friends permission to ask, “Where is that in Scripture?”

- Celebrate obedience stories. When someone chooses God’s command over human expectation, share and rejoice (Revelation 12:11).


The Result: Tradition in Its Right Place

When God’s commandments are honored as supreme:

- Human customs become helpful servants, not masters.

- Families flourish under God-given roles and responsibilities.

- Churches display authentic devotion, free from hypocrisy.

- The world sees living proof that “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

How can we ensure our traditions align with biblical teachings in Mark 7:12?
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