Jesus said:

“You are experts at setting aside the commandment
of God in order to keep your tradition…” (Mark 7:9)

This is something my wife and I have been talking about alot lately.

As Christians — from mostly protestant, white, non-denominational backgrounds — we have some traditions.
Although they may not be as formal as  Catholic or Orthodox traditions — they are traditions nonetheless.

Tradition is alright, as long as it doesn’t conflict with the Word of God.

The problem I have realized is that we don’t actually read the Word of God.
We read it through the lens of tradition.
We interpret it through the lens of our denominational teaching.

We don’t view politics, economics, society or culture through God’s eyes.
We view it through our tradition.
And we tack God’s name onto it.

Quickly we find ourselves at odds with everyone.
We are condemning left and right.
We fail to love.
We fail to care.

All because of tradition.

Let’s be hearers of God’s Word — and align our thoughts, viewpoints, and actions with it.
If tradition lines up with it — wonderful.
If not, dump the tradition.

You want to Be radical for the kingdom of God — just read your Bible.
And then go out and do life, ministry, politics, economics and church according to
the precepts and models and commands that God has so clearly given.

It’s so crazy, it just might work.