DOCTRINES OF MEN
Jesus said: “In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
Religion, as we know it today, is often built upon creeds and traditions devised by men across different times and cultures. Some were embraced by choice, others enforced by power. Yet in either case, they often overshadow the living Word of God.
The “doctrines of men”—also called the commandments of men—are human-made beliefs, practices, and rules that masquerade as divine truth but lack the authority of Scripture. They replace revelation with ritual, and relationship with regulation. At their root, they produce vain worship—a worship that appears devoted but does not draw the heart closer to God.
This is why Jesus confronted the Pharisees and scribes. Their religion was rich in tradition but poor in transformation. They elevated human rules above God’s commands, creating burdens for others while missing the essence of mercy, justice, and love.
Even today, the danger remains. We cling to denominational creeds more than to Christ. We measure holiness by outward conformity rather than inward renewal. We exalt human teachers while neglecting the Teacher Himself. In doing so, we substitute man’s voice for God’s Word.
But true worship is not bound by the shifting traditions of men. It is anchored in Spirit and truth (John 4:24). It flows not from compulsion but from communion. It does not glorify institutions but glorifies Christ alone.
Food for thought:
Are we worshipping God, or are we worshipping tradition? Are our beliefs rooted in Scripture, or in the systems of men? Have we exchanged the living Word for lifeless rituals?
The call of Jesus remains clear: “Follow me.” Not the doctrines of men, but the doctrine of Christ—the gospel that saves, transforms, and endures.
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