- Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
- James 1:17-27
- Mark 7:1-16
Introduction
In 1517, Martin Luther sparked a debate about the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church as a call for re-examination. When practices of faith become a ritual activity, they mostly lose their true significance and effect and people begin to corruptly abuse members. Luther's 95 Theses is considered to have launched the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. It is said, "An unexamined life is not worth living," and the same goes with religious practices.
Child of God, join me to reflect on a crucial theme: "Re-Examining Our Practice of Christianity." In our world today, just like the days of Luther where traditions, rituals, experience, and habits can sometimes overshadow the essence of faith, it's vital to pause and re-evaluate how we live out our Christian calling. Are we truly embodying the teachings of Christ, or have we allowed the form to overshadow the substance?
In Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9, We are instructed to hold fast to God's commands. Moses speaks to the Israelites, reminding them of the importance of observing God’s statutes and commandments. He urges them not to add or subtract from what God has commanded, but to live in obedience. The message here is clear: God's Word is perfect and complete. The Israelites were to faithfully keep and teach these commandments to future generations. For us today, this passage challenges us to check and check again whether our practice of Christianity actually aligns with the pure and unaltered Word of God.
History shows us the possibility of leaders adulterating Scripture to misinform and disinform, straying their followers away from God. God tells us "You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2) This is a call to re-examine our Christian practices in accordance of God's word daily to be on the right path. The Akan have an adage, 'The one creating the pathway does not know that behind him is a crooked path.' Re-examination or retreating will bring to us the forgotten path of God.
The reformed church like the Presbyterians say, "The Church reformed always reforming" meaning, the Church always reflects on the doctrines and practices to align with Christ Jesus while living in the contemporary. In Jeremiah 8, Ezra read the laws to the people and they cried because the path they believed was right had led them against their God. Are the practices of your church perfectly in line with God's commandments?
Have we added human traditions, or neglected parts of God's commandments because they are inconvenient or challenging? The call here is to adhere closely to the Scriptures, recognizing that they provide the foundation for our faith and life.
Again, Apostle James in James 1:17-27, moves further to admonish us to be doers of the Word. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, emphasizing that God's Word is intended to bring life and transformation. However, he warns that it is not enough to be mere hearers of the Word; we must also be doers. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22)
James uses the analogy of a man looking in a mirror and then forgetting his appearance to describe those who hear the Word but do not act on it. How often do we hear God's Word preached on Sunday, only to leave it behind as we go about our daily lives? "But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." (James 1:25).
Our Christianity today is like church choir robes. We only wear them when we come to church leave them behind and go home. The practice of Christianity - worship, must be our intentional way of daily life and not pose to be "ogyacious" or powerful because, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless." (James 1:26).
James adds that we live out our faith in tangible ways—caring for the needy, and keeping ourselves unstained by the world. True religion, he says, is this: "to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
This passage invites us to re-examine whether our practice of Christianity is merely superficial or whether it truly reflects the transformative power of God’s Word. Are we practicing a faith that is alive and active, manifesting in love, service, and holiness?
In addition, the danger of empty traditions is brought to us to re-examine in Mark 7:1-16. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments. They criticize His disciples for not following the ceremonial washing of hands, a tradition of the elders. Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah to point out their hypocrisy: "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
Jesus' words are a sobering reminder that it is possible to go through the motions of religious practice without engaging our hearts. The Pharisees were meticulous in their observance of traditions, yet they missed the very heart of God’s commandments—love, justice, and mercy. Jesus warns against allowing human traditions to take precedence over the commandments of God.
Christian practices such as baptism, communion, tithe, offertory, prayer, sermon, teachings, deliverance, doctrines, religious items, direction - "akwankyere" etc. are we doing them for God's glory or according to Daddy GO, Bishop, Moderator, Chairperson, Apostle, Papa, Reverend Minister, Odifoc, and all accolades we ascribe to them?
As we re-examine our practice of Christianity, we must ask ourselves: Are we guilty of the same? Have we allowed traditions, rituals, or external practices to replace the inward transformation that God desires? Are our hearts truly aligned with God, or are we merely honoring Him with our lips while our hearts remain distant?
Precious one, the message from these Scriptures is clear: Our practice of Christianity must be rooted in a deep, genuine relationship with God and a faithful adherence to His Word. We must be careful not to substitute divine commandments with human traditions, and we must be vigilant to ensure that our faith is not just a matter of outward observance, but of inward transformation.
Let us take this opportunity to re-examine our lives; Where have we allowed the form to overshadow the substance? Where have we become hearers of the Word but not doers? And where have we let human traditions take precedence over the clear teachings of Scripture?
Conclusion
As we conclude today's message, may we commit to re-aligning our practice of Christianity with the true essence of our faith. Let us hold fast to God's Word, not adding or subtracting from it. Let us be doers of the Word, living out our faith in tangible ways. And let us guard against empty traditions, ensuring that our worship is sincere and that our hearts are fully engaged in our walk with God.
May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to live out a faith that is pure, undefiled, and pleasing to our Lord. Amen.
Shalom aleikhem...
