Commands of God vs. Traditions of Men
One of the most important questions every believer must eventually wrestle with is this: Are we building our lives around the commands of God, or around traditions we have inherited? Traditions are not necessarily bad. Many traditions can be helpful. They can provide structure, consistency, and shared experiences. The problem comes when traditions begin to carry more weight than the actual commands of Christ. Jesus confronted this issue directly: “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” (Mark 7:8) The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were diligent in preserving traditions, yet many had lost sight of the heart of God’s commands. Their focus had shifted from obedience to maintenance. The same danger exists today. What Is Non-Negotiable? Throughout Scripture we see clear commands that are not optional: Love God wholeheartedly. Love your neighbor. Make disciples. Forgive others. Pray continually. Share the Gospel. Gather with believ...
