When Tradition Becomes a Trap

"They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules." — Matthew 15:9 

What are you guided by—Scripture or superstition?

I grew up with a mother who had a black belt in anxiety. She filled my head with superstitions: "Don't walk under a ladder—it'll bring bad luck." "Don't let a black cat cross your path." These came from ancient Egyptian beliefs and old wives' tales, not from God's Word.

Our parents told us many things. If they repeated them often enough, we believed them. Even as adults, we remember those things. Some of those things we believe are theological in nature.

Here's the critical question: When you're trying to make a decision, where do you go first? Is it to your friends? Your family? What you were taught as a child? Or do you ask, "What does the Word of God say?"

This generation needs to go to Scripture. It's not about what Congress approves. It's not what a political party endorses. It's not what your friends think. You need to have a Biblical worldview and a mentality that says, "My life will be guided by the Word of God."

Many of us have been taught things as children that do not align with the Word of God. We should not be guided by superstitions or traditions that contradict Scripture. Romans tells us, "What does Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'" (Romans 4:3).

You cannot always trust tradition. Some traditions are great, but not all of them align with God's Word. If you use your friends to guide your lifestyle choices, you will find yourself going with the culture.

Here's what God wants from you: When in doubt, ask the question, "What does the Bible say?" If you have a student or young person in your life making decisions, guide them to do some research and find out what the Bible says.

God's Word should be your source of authority. This is critical for your maturity as a believer. Stop letting old traditions, family patterns, or cultural pressure make your decisions. Get into the Word and let God guide your steps.