God's Commands vs. Traditions

“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”
–Jesus (Mark 7:8)

I often find myself thinking about God and doing things a certain way because it’s the what I was taught. That’s how people learn and grow. We put into practice what we are taught. If we endlessly asked the question “why?” and not put into action anything until we completely understand, it would take forever. It’s not a practical way to live.

At the same time, if we just do what we are told and do it exactly how we are told without thinking about it, we often miss out on the purpose and the heart behind it. This is especially detrimental when it comes to our faith and relationship with Christ.

God has always been more concerned with the heart of things than the specific action or tradition. You see this even at the beginning with Cain and Abel. “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” (Genesis 4:7). As Christians, it is important for us to seek out the heart of God. And God has revealed himself and his heart to us through the Bible. That’s why we need to be reading through it and praying and asking God to make his heart clear to us. And he will.

Have you been seeking the heart of God or just following the traditions you’ve been taught?