“You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” – Mark 7:8

Jesus exposed the reality of religion in His day: a hollow display of outward piety. The people, led by their religious leaders, meticulously observed rituals—festivals, hand washings, and ceremonial customs—while neglecting the very heart of God’s law. In their zeal to keep human traditions, they ignored the commandments of God.  

True devotion begins with love—loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbour as ourselves. Every other commandment flows from this foundation. Traditions can be helpful when they lead us toward God, but when they replace obedience to His Word, they become empty and even dangerous. To reject God’s commandments is to reject God Himself. No tradition, no ritual, however noble it may seem, can substitute for a heart fully surrendered to Him. As Ecclesiastes 12:13 declares: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”