If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, 'Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch' (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? These things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:20 WEB

In the beginning, God told Adam 'but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die' (Genesis 2:17). A chapter later Eve told the serpent 'you shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die (Genesis 3:3). Now God did not say anything about touching it. That was a personal preference that was added to the word of God, but it became part of the commandment as an 'add on' item and it increased the strictness of God's original commandment.

Traditions like this get added to the word of God and begin to be taught as if they were from God. Churches split over the type of music that they feel God prefers, when it has nothing to do with Him at all. An acoustic guitar is not inherently 'Holy' and an electric guitar is not inherently 'Evil.' My wife does not care for loud high-pitched guitar leads because they make her teeth hurt. That is a personal preference. When one of the praise teams that I was playing in practiced, she would go wait in the parking lot until it was over, while others thought it sounded fine.

I know of a church that taught that wearing neckties was a sin, but that is not from the Bible either. Sure we should dress modestly, but the rest is just personal preference (1 Timothy 2:9). Everyone thinks that God is in their political party as well, Adolf Hitler did. Though if you study Daniel chapter 2, you will see that God has His own party that will eventually replace all the others. It is the same routine with what people wear, eat, and drink. We feel that as long as they are like us, they will be saved.

Jesus quoted Isaiah and said: 'They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men' (Mark 7:7'8).

The next time that you are tempted to become angry over something religious, examine it and ask yourself if this is actually scriptural, or is it just a personal preference, a tradition of your elders. Jesus wore a robe and sandals, I wear jeans and boots. If the word does not give us a clear direct commandment about it, leave it out of your doctrine, and we will all get along better.

Prayer: Heavenly Father please get me back to the basics and keep my faith simple. Help me to rightly divide Your word and to discern the truth when I hear it. Guide me today and work Your perfect will in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network

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