Traditions

Mar 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth 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, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.


Tradition, the thing that is so often upheld by the past and disdained by the future. Not all tradition is bad, but when we are talking about serving God, we must be careful how we approach tradition. We must not simply throw it aside, for often there is some principle or reason behind it. Unfortunately, over time even some of the best principles and reasons behind things, do not keep the traditions from being twisted and distorted into something never intended in the beginning. As well as the fact that many times, traditions have simply formed out of someone's preference for one thing over another.

We must be careful that we do not judge others by our traditions. Secondly, we should examine our traditions and make sure that they are biblical, not making commandments out of man's opinions and ideas, no matter how well intentioned.

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

We should prove those things that we hold most dear, lest satan turn it into a snare somehow.