KEY VERSE: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.“ (Psalm 122:6-9, LSG).

Customs and cultural traditions hold a significant place in our lives. Nehemiah’s grief over the desolation of Jerusalem was expressed through a customary act—sitting down to weep—a practice common among Semitic peoples.

Just as Nehemiah respected the customs and traditions of his culture, we should also honor the positive aspects of our cultural identity while aligning them with the Word of God. Even though some customs may conflict with our Christian faith, rejecting them does not mean losing our identity. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to refine and strengthen our identity in Christ. Romans 12:2 (LSG) exhorts us:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.“

By aligning our cultural identity with the transformative power of Christ, we wisely and discerningly navigate the tensions between culture and faith. Let us, therefore, honor the positive aspects of our cultural heritage while recognizing that our identity in Christ is a process of refinement.

PRAYER
Lord God, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that You grant me the discernment to embrace my culture without dishonoring Your presence. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

APPLICATION
Reflect on the customs and traditions of your culture. How can you celebrate and honor your cultural identity in a way that glorifies God and does not compromise your Christian beliefs?

This text is an excerpt from the book “NEHEMIAH, RISE UP, Vol.1 Devotion“ written by Pastor Gregory Toussaint.

We invite you to read the next article: “EMBRACING THE LAND OF OUR ANCESTORS.”