Mark7:13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” NIV.

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, a tradition is an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom). From bible days, there were man-made traditions of Jews. The Gentiles had theirs. Most Jewish traditions have a touch of religious legalism while that of Gentiles is antinomian and sensual.

For instance, the Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus why his disciples did not wash their hands before eating according to the tradition of the elders ( Mark 7:5). Jesus responded by saying, “For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do (Mark 7:8).

There’s something I want us to examine in that text. They( Pharisees & scribes) laid aside God’s commandments to fulfill the tradition of the elders thereby nullifying the word of God. The evil traditions of men is opposed to the will of God. In our world, we have many traditions that aren’t in God’s will for mankind. Where tradition is in sync with God’s principle, there’s no problem about that.

I was privileged to talk to a man who told me it is normal for a man to cheat on his wife. However, he forbade such for his wife. Later, I discovered that his opinion is popular among several men in the society. Cheating is seen as normal or as an adventure which is an exclusive reserve of men. That’s an evil tradition that has the backing of many.

In fact, a pastor once counseled a woman not to mind the ‘sexcapades’ of her husband because it is ‘normal’ for men(Paraphrase). Normal? Why normalize what is abnormal with God? If a woman is caught in adultery, it would be announced from the roof top by men who themselves are guilty of the same but If a man is caught in the act, tradition of men may exonerate him on the spot saying it is a man’s world yet God doesn’t excuse such sin for any reason regardless of gender.

Nothing is wrong with the tradition of men as long as it doesn’t conflict with the word of God but where there’s a conflict, God frowns at it. The tradition of men is the tradition of compromise, fleshly gratification and lust. The believe is that as long as it doesn’t affect anyone, it is all well and good. It is a tradition of “the end justifies the means” even if the means is ungodly. Beware of societal norms that are acceptable but stand in opposition to what God’s word says.

Apostle Paul said, “And be not conformed to this world[tradition of men]: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”, Romans 12:2 ( Emphasis mine).

PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to break free from negative tradition of men in Jesus name