(c) 2024 Anna M. K. Hazen

In our quest to explore the essence of faith and belief, we find ourselves at a crossroads where tradition and genuine faith often collide. As believers, we are challenged to weigh the significance of tradition against the teachings of Scripture. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we engaging in practices that enhance our walk with God, or are we merely holding onto traditions that have no true foundation in His Word? Spoiler alert: “It’s not you, it’s your traditions” might be the best breakup line for this scenario.

The Danger of Tradition
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees’ adherence to tradition over true worship. In Mark 7:6-9, He rebukes them, saying, “Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men.”

This passage underscores the peril of aligning our lives with man-made traditions that may seem noble externally but are devoid of heart and integrity. When traditions take precedence over God’s commandments, we risk crafting a false religion that honors God in name only—kind of like wearing a superhero cape but forgetting you can’t fly.

Real Life Examples
Throughout history and even in our contemporary society, we witness numerous instances where traditions have hindered the work of the Gospel. One such example is the rigid adherence to certain liturgical practices prevalent in many church denominations. While these practices may serve a purpose in fostering community and order within worship, they can also become a stumbling block if they overshadow the core message of grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Consider the story of a local congregation that held a traditional service every Sunday, adhering strictly to a liturgy passed down through generations. Over time, members became more invested in the performance of these rituals than in the substance of their faith. They would attend church out of habit, reciting prayers and hymns as if rehearsing for the lead in “The Worship Chronicles,” without truly engaging their hearts or minds.

However, a new pastor came to the church with a vision of reform. He encouraged the congregation to prioritize genuine worship over the mere observance of tradition. Initially, resistance arose—some members voiced concerns that they might lose the essence of their faith if they strayed from the familiar, believing a single deviation might cause the universe to implode. Yet, as they began to engage with Scripture more authentically and to experience the liberating power of truly personal worship, they found new life in their faith. This example illustrates the transformative potential of placing God’s Word at the forefront rather than letting tradition play the piano from the corner.

The Call to Authentic Faith
Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 15:3, “But he answered and said unto them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” This question is crucial for believers today. Our challenge is to regularly evaluate our practices and priorities, ensuring that they enhance our spiritual lives rather than hinder them—sort of like choosing between a treadmill and a cozy sofa for your cardio workout.

True belief calls for authenticity. In James 1:22, we are urged, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Being a doer requires a personal connection and commitment that transcends rote tradition. It compels us to live out our faith actively and to share Christ’s love without letting outdated practices dictate how we express that faith—because let’s be honest, a heart on fire for God doesn’t need an outdated manual.

Moving Forward
A new beginning requires courage. It may mean letting go of certain traditions or reinterpreting them in light of current understanding and revelation. The heart of a true believer is restless for growth, yearning to reflect the love and truth of Christ in all areas of life. In Romans 12:2, we are reminded, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Here lies the challenge: to renew our minds continually, question whether our practices align with God’s truth, and adjust our traditions accordingly.

When we evaluate our practices against Scripture, we create space for genuine worship—one that allows each new generation to encounter Christ in a relevant and meaningful way. It is crucial to foster communities where individuals are encouraged to explore their faith personally and collectively, rather than simply repeating the traditions of those before them like stuck records on an ancient turntable.

We need to ask ourselves: Are our traditions drawing us closer to Christ, or are they simply cultural artifacts that distract us from the central message of His love and salvation? Let us strive to be a people defined by our relationship with Christ, willing to boldly discard unhelpful traditions and embrace the new beginnings He offers. In Jesus’ name, may we build a faith that honors God not just in words, but in spirit and truth.

Remember to keep your wicks trimmed and your lanterns filled with oil! This is an urgent “tradition” that keeps our hearts stayed on Jesus Christ! THE KING IS COMING! And let’s make sure He finds us ready—less like a statute in a museum and more like a participant in the grand choir of life!