I was always the curious kid who asked “Why?” about everything. And that curiosity didn’t fade when I became a Christian – if anything, it only grew stronger. As a follower of Jesus, I’m called to base everything I do on biblical principles and spiritual truth. But sometimes, we as Christians can get caught up in traditions or cultural practices that aren’t actually grounded in the Bible. So, let’s take a look at 10 things Christians like to do that aren’t biblical – and what we can do instead.
- Celebrating Christmas on December 25th
While Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Bible doesn’t actually give a specific date for his birth. (Luke 2:7-8) So, instead of getting caught up in the commercialized aspects of the holiday, we can focus on the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate it any time of the year. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
- Using the term “Trinity”
While the concept of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is certainly Biblical, the word “Trinity” isn’t actually found in the Bible. (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14) Instead of relying on theological terminology, we can simply affirm the Biblical truth that God exists in three persons.
- Praying to saints or Mary
While there are certainly faithful Christians who choose to pray to saints or Mary, the Bible doesn’t actually instruct us to do so. Instead, we’re called to pray directly to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2:5, Matthew 6:9)
- Tithing
While tithing is certainly a Biblical concept, the idea of giving 10% of our income to the church isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7) Instead, we’re called to give generously and sacrificially, according to our means and what we feel led by the Holy Spirit to give.
- Baptizing infants
While some churches practice infant baptism, the Bible doesn’t actually command it. Instead, we’re called to baptize those who have made a conscious decision to follow Jesus. (Acts 2:38-41, Mark 16:16)
- Having a “quiet time” every day
While spending time in prayer and reading the Bible is certainly important, there’s no specific biblical mandate to have a “quiet time” every day. (Colossians 4:2, Matthew 6:6) Instead, we should aim to develop a consistent and meaningful relationship with God, however that looks for each individual.
- Speaking in tongues
While the gift of tongues is certainly mentioned in the Bible, it’s not a necessary sign of salvation or spiritual maturity. (1 Corinthians 12:30, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5) Instead, we should focus on living out the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Dressing up for church
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with dressing up for church, the Bible doesn’t actually command us to do so. (James 2:2-4) Instead, we should focus on cultivating a heart of reverence and worship, regardless of what we’re wearing.
- Praying before meals
While praying before meals is a good practice, it’s not actually commanded in the Bible. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 6:5-6) Instead, we should focus on cultivating an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving in all areas of our lives.
- Using specific worship styles or music
While there are certainly different worship styles and genres of music that can be meaningful for different people, the Bible doesn’t prescribe a specific style or genre of worship. (Psalm 150) Instead, we should focus on worshiping God in spirit and truth, with a heart of sincerity and devotion. (John 4:23-24)
In conclusion, as Christians, it’s important to examine our practices and traditions to ensure they align with Biblical principles and spiritual truth. While there may be different interpretations and expressions of faith, we should always strive to follow the example of Jesus and his teachings as revealed in the Bible. (John 14:6) By doing so, we can truly live out our faith in a way that honors and glorifies God.