Far too many in our day have bound themselves with the heavy yoke of church tradition, exalting the decrees and customs of men above the glorious liberty of grace and the leading of the Holy Spirit. These rituals and ordinances are clung to as though they had descended from Mount Sinai, etched by the very finger of God, when in reality they are nothing more than the inventions of men. Our Lord condemned this very thing when He said to the Pharisees, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13 KJV).

Such traditions—though polished by time and clothed in piety—are powerless to save, powerless to sanctify, and powerless to produce the life of Christ. They are but shadows that distract from the substance, which is Christ Himself (Colossians 2:17). The Apostle Paul issues a sharp warning: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8 KJV).

To those who are in Christ, Paul declares, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1 KJV). Why return to the lifeless chains of religion when the living Lord has set you free? Why bow to the commandments of men when you have been called to walk in the Spirit?

Reject the counterfeit authority of man-made religion. Lay aside every tradition that contradicts or obscures the truth of the gospel committed to Paul for us today. Cling instead to Christ alone, who is our life, our righteousness, and our all. Let no one move you from the simplicity that is in Him.