“(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots)” (Mark 7:1-2.)
The root of the tradition is good. Cleanliness maintains health. But there are times when it is not practical. To wash is one thing, to make a ceremony of it every time is quite another. It is not what we do that saves us, but the One who did for us what we could not do for ourselves, who saves us. Practice common sense, but do not live just by traditions, but by the One who made all things.
Lord, I know You are not against traditions, only when they get in the way of my relationship with You. Help me to live in relationship with You, doing what is needful, and being practical in daily life. Lead me beyond those things which would hinder me and help me to understand clearly where I am making more, or even less, of things which may hinder me from walking in Your righteousness.
Lord Jesus, You instituted traditions, so I know they are not all bad. Help me to learn from You where to place ceremonies in my life and where to set them aside. Be the One who leads me, and walk alongside me today and each day, so that I may learn faithfulness from You step by step. Guide me, Lord Jesus, in the way of everlasting life. Help me to abide in the life You have given me through grace. Amen/
