The 24th of September is marked as Heritage Day in South Africa. It has obvious roots in celebrating the diversity of all our South African cultures and people. Many people choose to turn this public holiday into a day spending time with family, as well as enjoying a Braai (which is a barbeque for our overseas readers).
A working definition in the Cambridge dictionary, helps us put some meat onto the bones of what 'heritage' truly means.... "Features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings, that were created in the past and still have historical importance."
For us as people of faith, we are given many traditions and 'features' that shape our faith. Sadly, some of these are not always good, as Jeremiah pointed out so clearly:
"Lord, you are my strength and fortress,
my refuge in the day of trouble!
Nations from around the world
will come to you and say,
“Our ancestors left us a foolish heritage,
for they worshiped worthless idols.
Can people make their own gods?
These are not real gods at all!”
The Lord says,
“Now I will show them my power;
now I will show them my might.
At last they will know and understand
that I am the Lord." - Jeremiah 16:19-21
Thought: What spiritual heritage are we leaving behind for our children and grandchildren?
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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