We need to live a life free from worthless traditions that distract us from following Jesus. We all have a huge responsibility as followers of Jesus to lead others into freedom and not drag them down with rules that are not of God. As a Church family this a huge challenge.
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” Matthew 23:1-3, ESV.
The richness of gathering as God’s people is to be enjoyed as a foretaste of what is to come in heaven, but we are not to make it “religious”, rather we are to help others to experience the love, grace and mercy of God. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for being two faced.
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” Matthew 23:4.
Don’t get trapped into traditions for the sake of ritual. Listen to the calling from God to live a life that is worthy of His presence within us. We have a clear message from Jesus on how we are to live.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12.