Tradition is not inherently wrong or bad. It may have many redeeming qualities and produce positive results. Tradition may provide a bridge to the past and unite generations. It may also give a sense of stability when circumstances are in flux. Even God instituted several traditions for His people to follow; holy days, meals, sacrifices, offerings, etc... However, in Mark 7:1-23 we see tradition gone awry.

What are the commands of God? Luke 10:27 summarizes it all; “Love God, love people.” If a tradition countermands or contradicts Luke 10:27, it cannot be acceptable. What is the attitude of the Pharisees? What words does Jesus use to describe them and their actions? Certainly the ceremonial washings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritual_washing_in_Judaism) had a basis in the Old Testament, but were never intended to transcend loving God or people.

In our church cultures, what traditions have we established? Are they elevated above loving people? Because of our movement's culture, we are loath to admit we have any traditions; “restoring first century Christianity” is our battle cry. Even this blindness and denial of tradition says we are in more trouble than we think. The Restoration Movement does have traditions in the way we execute the commands of God. We use them as “lines in the sand” to determine the worthiness of our brothers.

• Instrumental vs. acappella worship – Not a “Bible Argument”; tradition!

• Discipleship – “Once a week for 2 hours, open Bible, pray. If you don't do our way, your not practicing discipleship.”

• Hermeneutics – “There is only one right interpretation.” (Yeah – God's!)

• Outreach – “Let me tell you the right way to do it.”

Note that each of these is about the how and not the heart. How do we worship? How do we love our brothers? How do we read the Bible? How do we reach the lost? I would like to believe that our motives are geared toward the best way to help others, but I suspect the more common impetus is selfish ambition or pride.