The Traditions Of Men

Tradition refers to the transmission of customs or beliefs from one generation to the next. It involves passing down practices, whether by action, word of mouth, or writing. While tradition often carries a negative connotation within the Body of Christ, it is important to note that not all tradition is harmful.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

The two instances where the word "tradition" is mentioned positively in the Bible are both admonitions for God's people to follow apostolic doctrine and instructions. It was already established that the apostles were special messengers, sent to the Body of Christ with a word from God.

The apostolic gift was established by God within the Church to be a fountain of revelation of His Word and will. The test of true apostolic revelation is that it aligns with all scripture. In other words, scripture will not contradict the Word being delivered but will consistently support it. The confirmation that scripture brings to apostolic revelation and instruction should reassure God's people that they are indeed hearing from Him.

For this reason, apostles are responsible for overseeing the Body of Christ; ensuring that the Word and customs practiced are in accordance with God’s will. This is why, in the New Testament, we often see communication between the apostles and church leaders. In these epistles, questions were addressed, doctrine was taught, and wisdom was dispensed to help guide the saints through their situations, showing them what to do.

Thus, through their presence and epistles, traditions were being established in the church. However, these traditions did not contradict scripture; instead, they helped to outline and shape church culture.

Nevertheless, this apostolic structure has largely been abandoned in the modern Body of Christ. Individuals without a heart for God or true revelation of the scriptures, have been given prominent platforms. Through charisma and persuasive speeches, they have captured the attention of God's people. As a result, we are witnessing a falling away of the Church, where what is of God is often seen as blasphemous, and what is blasphemous is praised and protected.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

As scripture declares, there are false apostles, prophets, teachers, and preachers who, for selfish gain, preach doctrines of devils. These messages are often crafted to secure or enhance their position and influence within the churches of God and over the lives of people. In an effort to maintain their status, they establish new traditions—not of God, but of men—based on their own preferences and desires. These, my beloved, are the traditions we must avoid.

Colossians 2:8

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Traditions of men - doctrines believed to have divine authority though not in the scriptures.

Today, many churches have become earthly kingdoms, with the pastor as the king. This practice, passed down from generation to generation, stems from a desire for control and power over the people's lives of God’s people. Thankfully, some of us, by the will of God, have managed to escape the grip of such tradition.

However, in our transition, while we knew what not to be, we didn't always have a teacher to show us what we should be. As a result, we determined what to follow and what to reject from tradition on our own. Consequently, we ended up with a new version of tradition—though not quite the same, it still carried its traces.

Moreover, not all traditions arise from the ill intent of a minister. Some emerge simply from personal preferences or subjective views on how one should serve or offer reverence to God. When these views and preferences are widely accepted, they are often assumed to have scriptural basis. It is at this point that scripture is frequently twisted to support these traditions.

However, the traditions that the Body of Christ is meant to follow are all clearly documented in scripture, and there is no need to twist the Word to discern them.

Matthew 15:3

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

As mentioned, it is common in tradition for leaders to assert their position in the church, shutting down anything they perceive as competition—often merely the manifestation of other gifts in the Body. They overstep their authority in the lives of God's people, and instead of nurturing these gifts, they begin to suppress them, excommunicating those who dare to glorify God in ways that differ from their instructions.

Those of us who have come out of such traditions detest this approach, as we were among those suppressed. Yet, when we transition into leadership, although we may not entirely suppress the gifts around us, we often structure the ministry in a way that requires everyone to answer to us, limiting the freedom one should have when they have truly heard God's direction for their ministry.

This is where the subtlety of the enemy comes in. He convinces us that our intention for doing this is for the overall well-being of the people. However, if we are honest, we will find a subtle desire for control, stemming from the belief that the pastor must be aware of everything the people are doing. In some cases, this control stems from a lack of trust in the very people they minister to, believing they will never glorify God as intended. This lack of trust in the Word's influence to guide the people into holiness, truth, and ministry leads them to seize control themselves, becoming dictatorial by deciding what the people should and should not do.

After doing this, we faithfully minister what "true" submission looks like, which, in this case, becomes mere obedience to the leaders. By doing so, we justify the control we want to exercise over the people, making it seem scripturally lawful. In the process, we attempt to corrupt the consciences of the people, who then choose obedience to the leaders over obedience to God.

This, among many other corrupted practices, has crept into the churches of God, despite the widespread rejection of tradition. We have made honoring leadership about addressing them by titles, rather than emphasizing obedience to the Word of God they minister and following their lives as examples of holy living. Have we forgotten the true responsibility of leadership in the Body of Christ?

Of course, as watchmen in the Body of Christ, we bear the responsibility to ensure the spiritual well-being of the souls entrusted to us. This may involve offering suggestions or recommendations that encourage or discourage actions that could harm their spiritual growth. However, unless we are bringing a direct word from God, these should remain suggestions rather than commands, and the people should not feel as if they have sinned against God if they choose not to follow the leader's advice.