FOLLOW GOD, NOT HUMAN TRADITIONS

Dearly Beloved, FOLLOW GOD, NOT HUMAN TRADITIONS “For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do” (Mark 7:8 NKJV). The story of the old prophet and the young prophet in 1 Kings 13:11-31 is a pathetic one. It illustrates how many people prefer to listen to men rather than adhere to the words of God. In the story, God has specifically told the young prophet what he should do and not do as he went to deliver God’s message to the king of Israel. However, he yielded to the persuasion of a man and this cost him his life. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law in Jesus’ days on earth were like the young prophet. They had the Old Testament which was the expressed words of God, but they preferred to follow human traditions. These traditions were a set of rules that had to do mainly with outward cleansing and religiosity. Referring to the prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 29:13, Jesus condemned such acts and enjoined them to follow God and His commands (see Mark 7:8-13). It is good to follow human traditions, but one has to be very careful not to let what people say supersede what the word of God says. God has given His commands through His words written in the Holy Bible. Do not let any human tradition, doctrine, saying, or practice drift you from obeying the word of God, no matter how popular such tradition, doctrine, saying, or practice is. It is far better to follow God and His words rather than human traditions. In what ways are human traditions depriving you of following God’s words? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O Lord, help me not to follow human traditions, doctrines, sayings, or practices to the detriment of Your word.