How should Christians view religious rituals?

In the Reformed tradition, religious rituals are often critiqued when they detract from the centrality of Christ and become endpoints rather than pointers toward God. The sermon emphasizes that we should not worship God through rituals or ceremonies, as these can lead to superstition and idolatry. Instead, our worship must be informed by truth and rooted in the heart—worshiping God should be a spiritual act directed toward Him and infused with His grace. When rituals are maintained out of tradition or mere habit, we risk turning them into idols, much like the people of Israel treated the brazen serpent. True worship should instead focus on the person and work of Christ and acknowledge Him as central to our faith and practice.