God’s or Man’s? by David Jeremiah

Monday, September 24 God’s or Man’s?    He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.”  Mark 7:9    A simple Twitter survey went viral: What do churches fight about? Respondents sent in numerous examples from their experience: the length of the worship leader’s beard; whether a clock in the worship center should be removed; the color and size of filing cabinets to be purchased; which picture of Jesus to hang in the foyer; whether communion should have cran-grape juice or plain grape juice; the kind of coffee to serve during fellowship hour . . . you can probably add your own.

Recommended Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:15

These “discussions” rarely have biblical precedents. Instead, they are based on traditions: “We’ve always done it this way.” Such arguments were frequent in Jesus’ day. Jesus was once asked by the Pharisees why His disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating (a human tradition, not part of the Jewish law) (Mark 7:5). Jesus answered by pointing out their hypocrisy. They were more concerned about looking righteous than being righteous. Traditions are fine when they are Bible-based. Keep this in mind as you navigate your own spiritual walk. Whose traditions are they? God’s (2 Thessalonians 2:15) or man’s? Better to obey God than man (Acts 5:29).  Hypocrisy is the loudest lie.  George Swinnock