Are We Stuck in Tradition?

Tradition can be a powerful influence, both for good and for harm. The Bible itself recognizes the value of traditions only when they are rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Paul wrote, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). In this sense, traditions that come directly from the apostles, whether written in Scripture or spoken under the Spirit’s guidance are divine teachings that we must hold firmly. These are not human customs but the very doctrines of Christ.

However, the danger comes when human traditions are elevated above God’s Word. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were guilty of this very thing. He said, “For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men… All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:8–9). Their devotion to man-made practices caused them to set aside God’s commands, rendering their worship empty. Christ declared, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:6–7).

The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are guilty of the same. Do we cling to practices simply because “we’ve always done it that way,” or because they are truly authorized in the Scriptures? If our faith is more about tradition than truth, then we risk falling into the same trap as the Pharisees. Paul warned the Colossians not to be taken captive “through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Our standard must always be Christ and His Word, not the customs of men.

It is not wrong to have customs in our congregations, as long as they do not conflict with God’s will. For example, what time we meet on Sunday, or whether we sit on pews or chairs, are matters of expediency and not doctrine. But when we begin to bind our customs as though they were commands, or when we refuse to change something even when it hinders the work of the church, we may be stuck in tradition rather than following Christ. The danger is not in tradition itself but in making tradition our master instead of God. 

Therefore, we must constantly examine ourselves by the Word of God. James exhorts us to receive “with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). The Word, not tradition has the power to save. Let us be people who stand firmly on the inspired Scriptures and in a “tradition” just because it’s always been done that way. True disciples are not stuck in the traditions of men but are steadfast in the truth of God’s Word.

God Bless