Traditions are everywhere.
They shape our holidays, our family gatherings, and even the way we worship.
Some traditions are passed down for generations, while others are created within our lifetimes.
But what does the Bible say about traditions?
Are they good or bad?
Should Christians follow them, or should they be avoided?
The Bible speaks about traditions in different ways.
Some are valuable, while others can become a stumbling block to faith.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about traditions and how we should approach them in our lives.
Traditions Can Be Good
Not all traditions are bad.
In fact, the Bible encourages believers to hold onto godly traditions that align with truth.
Second Thessalonians 2:15 says,
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
The Apostle Paul wrote this to encourage Christians to follow the teachings they had received.
These traditions were based on the truth of God’s Word, not on human customs.
There are traditions that strengthen our faith, remind us of God’s goodness, and encourage us in righteousness.
For example, celebrating communion is a tradition that Jesus Himself commanded.
First Corinthians 11:24-25 says,
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
This tradition helps Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice and stay focused on Him.
Good traditions serve a purpose—they help us draw closer to God and strengthen our faith.
When Traditions Become a Problem
While some traditions are good, others can be dangerous.
Jesus often warned about traditions that replaced God’s commandments.
In Mark 7:6-8, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders, saying,
Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.
These religious leaders valued their traditions more than they valued God’s Word.
They created rules that God never gave, and in doing so, they led people away from true faith.
This is where traditions become dangerous—when they take the place of obedience to God.
If a tradition causes us to ignore, change, or add to God’s Word, it is no longer helpful.
Instead, it becomes an obstacle.
The Difference Between God’s Commands and Man’s Traditions
One key lesson in the Bible is the difference between traditions that come from God and those that come from people.
God’s commands are eternal, unchanging, and always true.
Psalm 119:89 says,
For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
Human traditions, on the other hand, can change over time.
Some may start as a good practice but later become meaningless rituals.
Colossians 2:8 warns,
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.
This verse reminds believers to be careful.
Not all traditions are rooted in God’s truth.
Some are based on worldly thinking rather than biblical teaching.
When a tradition no longer aligns with Scripture, we should be willing to let it go.
Religious Traditions vs. True Faith
Throughout history, people have created religious traditions that give the appearance of holiness but do not actually bring people closer to God.
Jesus confronted this problem many times.
In Matthew 23:23-24, He said to the Pharisees,
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.
These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel!
The Pharisees were obsessed with small religious details while completely ignoring justice, mercy, and faith.
Their traditions made them look religious, but their hearts were far from God.
True faith is not about outward rituals.
It is about loving God and obeying His Word.
Family and Cultural Traditions
Many traditions come from families and cultures rather than from religion.
Celebrations, customs, and habits are often passed down through generations.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying these traditions—unless they conflict with God’s truth.
For example, some cultures practice traditions that involve superstitions, false gods, or unbiblical rituals.
Christians should be careful to evaluate whether their cultural traditions honor God.
First Corinthians 10:31 gives an important guideline,
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
If a tradition brings glory to God and does not lead to sin, it can be a good thing.
But if a tradition promotes ungodly beliefs or behaviors, it should be avoided.
Breaking Free from Harmful Traditions
Some traditions hold people captive.
They may feel pressured to follow certain customs because of family expectations, fear, or guilt.
Jesus came to bring freedom from burdens that do not align with God’s truth.
John 8:32 says,
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
If a tradition makes someone feel trapped rather than blessed, it may be a sign that it is not from God.
Galatians 5:1 encourages believers,
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
God wants His people to live in freedom, not in slavery to meaningless traditions.
Keeping Traditions in Their Right Place
The Bible does not say that all traditions are bad.
Instead, it teaches that traditions must be examined and used wisely.
Second Thessalonians 3:6 says,
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Paul encouraged the believers to follow traditions that came from the apostles’ teachings.
These were not human traditions but instructions given by God.
This shows that some traditions are good if they are rooted in Scripture.
However, they should never replace a personal relationship with Christ.
Following a tradition should never become more important than following Jesus.
Should Christians Follow Traditions?
So, should Christians follow traditions?
The answer depends on the tradition.
If a tradition honors God, strengthens faith, and aligns with Scripture, it can be a good thing.
But if a tradition leads people away from God, causes division, or becomes an empty ritual, it should be reconsidered.
First Corinthians 11:2 says,
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
This verse reminds us that some traditions should be followed when they are based on biblical teachings.
However, Mark 7:13 warns against traditions that make God’s Word ineffective,
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
The key is to test every tradition against Scripture.
If it helps us grow in faith, love, and obedience to God, then it can be embraced.
If it takes us away from truth, it should be let go.
Final Thoughts
Traditions can be a wonderful way to connect with faith, family, and culture.
The Bible acknowledges that some traditions are good, but it also warns against traditions that replace God’s Word.
Jesus challenged traditions that became empty rituals, teaching that true faith is about the heart, not just actions.
As believers, we should always ask:
Does this tradition bring me closer to God?
Does it align with Scripture?
Does it reflect true worship, or is it just an empty habit?
By seeking God’s wisdom, we can follow traditions that honor Him while letting go of those that do not.
At the end of the day, our faith should not be built on traditions alone but on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.