The Lord’s church must actively work to rid itself of the traditions of men.
Many a preacher has reminded us that the Pharisees took Laws and “built hedges around them.” These “hedges” came in the form of supplementary laws designed to prevent a person from getting too close to breaking a Law of God. Instead of letting the citizens take God’s word that the Sabbath was a mandatory day off work for the sake of all, they decided that everyone needed to know what work was, and what it was not.
Many Christians believe that “hedges” are still a great thing. They are content that “Freedom in Christ” is defined, packaged, and distributed according to the dictates of their mentors. It is a shameful thought that Christians are somehow happy for others to micromanage their lives. Thus, even those with the best of intentions need to be gently (and firmly if necessary) reminded that everyone is responsible for their own faith outcomes; spiritual nannying is for children and the rebellious.
Paul points an accusing finger and asks, “Why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?” (Colossians 2:20-22).
Congregations cannot grow beyond the fixed opinions of the pseudo-spiritual until the Light of Biblical doctrine is allowed to break through. Only then will it be exposed for what it is, and only then will the pseudo-spiritual be seen as coming in no other name but their own.
Jesus accused his enemies of backing the wrong man with the wrong name:
“I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him” (John 5:43).
John Staiger
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