The Pharisees were experts at setting aside God’s commands to keep their own traditions. They found religious loopholes to avoid their real responsibilities (Mark 7:9-13).
And Jesus called them out.
They had twisted God’s law into something that benefited them, rather than serving the people God had entrusted to them.
How often have I done the same?
I may not have claimed something as “set aside for God” to avoid responsibility, but I have definitely failed to use what God has given me for His Kingdom.
For years, I neglected my body. I justified poor choices with, “I’m working long hours.” I convinced myself that I didn’t have time to prioritize my health, instead of owning my decisions and honoring the body God gave me.
I’ve also neglected time with God in seasons of busyness, thinking other things were more urgent. But nothing is more urgent than time in His presence.
And the irony? When I actually devote myself to God—my health, my time, my resources—it always leads to more.
More love.
More patience.
More generosity.
More connection.
This is where God’s economy becomes a crazy miracle. The more we spend time with Him, the more He multiplies direction, clarity, and outcomes.
Jesus said He came to give us life—and life abundantly. Yet when we allow busyness, excuses, or even religious traditions to take priority, we cut ourselves off from real freedom.
We enslave ourselves when we choose to follow our own minds instead of staying grounded in Him. There’s something else to see here too:
The Enemy Attacks After Breakthrough
Jesus warned that tradition can actually invalidate the Word of God.
How many times have I:
Gone to church, spent time in the Word, or had an incredible moment of worship—only to immediately lose my temper or fall back into distraction?
Seen the kids struggle right after family time, a great church service, or a deep conversation?
Experienced wins in business only to face unexpected pressure right after?
The enemy loves to attack right after breakthrough and connection. Satan is constantly looking for ways to disrupt our connection with God and our relationships with those closest to us.
One of the greatest dangers? Using religious tradition to excuse our failures.
Nothing stirs up righteous anger in me more than when religion is used to diminish the value of women, children, or anyone considered “less than.”
That is not the heart of God. Jesus smashed through every man-made system that kept people in bondage. He calls us to do the same.
I don’t want to be a man who uses rules, traditions, or excuses to avoid what God has clearly called me to.
I want to be a man who fully operates in the love, truth, and power of God.
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