“Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition” (Mark 7:8-9).
How often do we hold to tradition and ignore the commandment of God? This is not a simple question. Jesus wants us to go inward and ask ourselves, “When have I done this?” Following the Lord and leading others so that they may follow the Lord is more important than the way we do things. That we do things a certain way is fine, but do not let that get in the way of being obedient.
Lord, You know where I have let my traditions get in the way of the heart that You desire. Help me to understand that the traditions are to support my behavior and not the practice of the behavior itself. Help me to live with others in relationship and not behind the wall of a specific practice. It is to You alone that we are to conform ourselves and not to our ideas of how this is to be done.
Lord Jesus, You know fully what You meant in saying these words. Teach me so that I can understand. Guide me so that I humbly submit to Your commandments, even in those times where it may compromise my traditions. Help me by teaching me all that it means to obey all that You command. Lord, I want to be obedient to You above all things. Teach me how to do this by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
