Articles
Traditions of Men - Mark 7
Traditions of Men
Jesus said: “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!” Such was true in Isaiah’s time, in Jesus’ time, and today. God says - but men ‘think’. This always brings a conflict.
God said concerning such differences: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8–9).
These verses from Isaiah have been known by many, yet often overlooked are the verses that precede these: "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (vs. 6-7).
Traditions in and of themselves are not wrong. When however they conflict with the Word of God we must choose which we will adhere to. We must FIRST know the Word of God in order that we can tell whether traditions are ok or must be abandoned. Many unfortunately just assume that their traditions are an accurate reflection of the teaching of God. Thus, secondly, we must forsake OUR ways and follow after HIS ways. Only by such action can we return to the Lord. Only by returning in this way will we find compassion and pardon from our God. What standard are you living by? Hugh DeLong
