Mark 7:14-15 - “When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.”  NKJV

When Jesus arrived on the scene He upset the apple cart for the Pharisees and religious leaders.  He did things just a little differently than what they thought should be done.  As we see, from the above scripture, they called Him on it one day.  He and the disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating which was a “tradition” passed down through the years.  It is from that criticism Jesus makes His response.

Intriguing that we see so much of this in our “church” culture today.  I am continually amazed by the things I have done in my life that represent church and yet as I give thought to those things I am equally amazed at how insignificant some of those traditions are in light of this scripture.  Much of what I have brought with me through the years, when examined, has very little to do with worship and evangelism and very much to do with tradition.  Is there anything wrong with traditions?  No, until they become the law.  The very issue to which Jesus was speaking.  Wash hands before eating?  Makes good sense, but what if I don’t?  According to the Pharisees, ignoring this “tradition” was equal to sinning.  Jesus responded by saying it is not what goes into the system through the process of eating that makes us unclean, it is what comes out of us through our thoughts, words and actions that makes us unclean.  Why?  Because we can ingest food(even dirt) with little if any effect on the destination of our soul for eternity.  But what we think, say and do, those things are generated from the heart - and what is in our heart determines everything we think, say and do and our eternal destiny.

Traditions?  They’re OK, and some are worth keeping.  But God is less concerned with traditions than He is with practice.  Examine your traditions of worship today.  Be sure your traditions don’t speak louder than your thoughts, words and actions.  If they do, come journey with me in an examination of what we do and why. Be Holy in all you do.

I come before You today, And there's just one thing that I want to say
Thank You Lord,
For all You've given to me, For all the blessings that I cannot see
Thank You Lord.  -Don Moen: “Thank You, Lord”

You are loved,
Pastor Roger