Traditional Church Can Hinder Your Spiritual Health

Tradition can hinder your spiritual health (Mark 7:1-23). It was far too important for the Pharisees and scribes, who came from Jerusalem to collect evidence to condemn Jesus. They noticed Jesus’ disciples were eating food with unwashed hands. That was not permitted.

Like many traditions today, handwashing began legitimately. The washings in Exodus 30:19-20 taught the priests that a pure heart is needed to enter God’s presence. They made the symbol a required spiritual exercise for everyone. Finally, handwashing became the focus—purity before God was ignored.

You can easily fall into the same trap today. The Lord has commissioned the church to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Many churches are far more committed to maintaining and preserving their traditions than making disciples. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for substituting human priorities for God’s commandments.

What is required to be “spiritually successful” in your church? Does it include such things as regular church attendance, liberal giving, working in the church, not drinking, smoking, or running around on your spouse? Are those the marks of your church’s disciples?

Those things are not bad, but Jesus said the mark of one of His disciples is love (John 13:34-35). Beware of “Churchianity” clothed in what to do and what to avoid.

Jesus explained in Mark 7:18-23 that external things do not defile you. Instead, the thoughts and actions that defile you spring from your rebellious heart. The rebellion against God within the hearts of church members hinders its ministry more than anything else.

Beginning in Mark 7:24, we read about Jesus’s only venture outside Israel. He retreated to Phoenicia to rest. His reputation preceded Him. He was known even there.

A Gentile woman approached Him. She believed He could cast a demon from her daughter.

Jesus appeared indifferent to her need. He compared the children and the small dogs of a household.

He seemed to refuse her request. The woman humbly admitted she was a Gentile dog. But she still believed she could benefit from Jesus’ presence. She asked only for crumbs from the table. She said that even little dogs are entitled to that much. Her wit, faith, and humility pleased Jesus. He graciously healed her daughter.

What if he had remained faithful to Jewish traditions? He would have refused her request and said something like, “You are a Gentile. You are not part of the people of God.”

Do some traditions and attitudes in your church exclude outsiders from the family of God? Do you feel superior to the unchurched? Do you make outsiders feel comfortable who dare to sit in your place in your chair or pew?

Do you welcome newcomers who are not like you into the church? Like money, tradition is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. Do not let unevaluated tradition make you spiritually unhealthy. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,714 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,936 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

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