Numerous times I have had conversations with fellow believers about the diligence with which people of other beliefs practice their faith. It cannot be denied that many show a high level of diligence in holding on to the doctrines of their faith, and performing the traditions of their faith. Some of us may want to dismiss such devotion as “enslavement” to a theology of salvation by works.
Yet it may be worth asking: How should faithfulness to what we say we believe look like? How do we determine that our actions actually bear witness to a vibrant faith? Are we really putting our faith into practice?
Concerning religious belief systems, I have often heard people criticize the church—whether evangelical, Baptist, or Roman Catholic—as being out of step with “the times.” That is, the critics 
suggest (sometimes even demand) that the church revise its beliefs to fit the ideology and morality of contemporary society. It is the same concerning religious practices. Many, even within the church itself, tend to abandon traditional religious rituals and come up with more “creative” alternatives that cater to our present sensibilities.
I do believe that we need to be sensitive to the mindset of the times. This allows us to grasp how the gospel may be effectively communicated and lived-out in contemporary society. But I object to the idea that this same mindset be given the authority to serve as the standard by which Christian belief and practice are determined.
The truth is, if we are not careful, we will tend to adjust our beliefs and practices according to what we like, instead of adjusting our preferences to the essential truths of Scripture. Sadly, even in our attempt to express our freedom in Christ we end up doing as we please instead of what pleases Christ. In the end, what we do practice is not biblical, Christ-centered faith but a self-defined faith, actually still enslaved but to our own tendencies.
This is a reminder not to fall into the trap of too easily skipping or dismissing practices of the faith (like the Lord’s Supper, baptism, corporate prayer and worship) if they do not meet your own program. Certain traditions come directly from Scripture; others flow from biblical truths. Most practices are intended as constant reminders, tools that keep the truth of the gospel in our awareness and that secure our faith to be firmly grounded in Christ. As long as we maintain a biblical understanding of these traditions, it is worthwhile to commit ourselves to the consistent practice of the faith (see, for example, Hebrews 10.24-25).
—Keith Y. Jainga