The Traditions Of Men

"...we must beware of a slavish adherence to old forms," preached Dr Lloyd-Jones in his Ephesians sermons (Vol.6, p.289).  How often has DMLJ not pressed this point!  And the apostle Paul warned about the same kind of thing.  Yet we tend to become enslaved by what are good things - old forms of ding things, old ways of thinking, old practices that once had great significance but now are no more than of historical significance.

For example, why are some churches today asking congregations to stand for prayer?  True, the Scottish covenanters stood for prayers, with the backs of members turned to the minister.  Why was this done? Because at that time, Christians were persecuted relentlessly so while prayer was being offered by the minister, at least some of the worshippers kept their eyes open to watch for potential attack.

Is this relevant in today's church situation?  Hardly.  But some Christians have to keep the tradition going on, a "tradition of men," as Peter called it, and for no apparent reason; certainly their is no spiritual or theological reason for such a practice.  But to do otherwise would be to take these Christians out of their comfort zone, and leave them confused.

We need to beware of the traditions of men, and well did DMLJ warn the churches against such a practice.  How easy it is to adopt like practices, such as, the way Presbyterians all seem to sit in the back pews of a church, etc.  Slavishness to a particular translation of the Bible, or to the insistence that women cover their heads for worship, or do not wear 'men's clothing,' or the exclusive use of Psalms in the public worship of God, etc; the list could go on interminably. 

Once we succumb to any 'old form' is a sign that we have been defeated by the devil, according to DMLJ.  So watch out.  Stay alert.  And dont become a slave to anything or anyone but Christ and His truth.