Convention in Scripture
Throughout Scripture, we encounter the tension between cultural conventions and spiritual truth. The word "convention" itself doesn't appear often in English Bible translations, but the concept is woven throughout God's Word. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently encountered the conventions of Jewish religious life—traditions that had developed over centuries. These included ritual hand-washing before meals, Sabbath observance practices, and temple procedures. While many conventions served good purposes in maintaining community order and spiritual focus, Jesus taught that they must never become more important than the heart's relationship with God.
In Mark 7:1-13, Jesus directly confronted the Pharisees about their devotion to human tradition. He said, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions" (Mark 7:8). The specific issue involved washing hands before eating, a convention the religious leaders treated as law. Jesus wasn't condemning cleanliness or even helpful practices; He was exposing how convention had become a substitute for genuine obedience. Paul later addressed similar issues in the early church, particularly regarding Jewish customs that some wanted to impose on gentile believers. In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul confronted Peter for withdrawing from gentile believers due to convention, recognizing that such practices contradicted the gospel's inclusive truth.
The apostle Paul also provided wisdom about navigating conventions wisely. In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, he writes, "I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek their own good, but the good of others." This reveals that while conventions aren't inherently sinful, our freedom in Christ should be exercised with consideration for others' faith and unity in the church.
When Convention Conflicts with Truth
The danger of convention arises when cultural practice is elevated to the level of biblical requirement. Throughout church history, this has been a recurring challenge. Some conventions—like greeting one another with a holy kiss (1 Peter 5:14) or head coverings in worship (1 Corinthians 11:4-5)—were culturally specific, not eternally binding principles. Jesus taught us to distinguish between what truly matters spiritually and what is merely customary. In Matthew 15:10-11, He declared, "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."
This doesn't mean conventions are bad or should be entirely dismissed. In fact, ordered, respectful conventions help churches function well. However, they must remain flexible, culturally appropriate, and never become tests of genuine faith or barriers to including those who follow Christ.
Living Wisely with Convention
For Canadian believers today, this means prayerfully discerning which conventions serve our churches well and which ones need reconsideration. We should honor helpful traditions that draw us closer to God and strengthen community, while remaining willing to adapt when conventions hinder the gospel's reach or burden people's consciences unnecessarily. Ask yourself: Does this convention serve obedience to Christ? Does it build up our faith community? Is it cultural or truly biblical?
The key is maintaining clear priorities. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ and His Word, not to how "we've always done things." As you navigate church life, hold conventions lightly, Scripture firmly, and always ask whether your practices reflect the love and truth of Jesus.
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules." — Matthew 15:8-9