The question one can ask today is “Should we believe our ancestors?” Our ancestors came before us and a lot of them transferred traditions, beliefs and customs from generation to generation. Among these traditions are some that imbed the values of respect, hard work and family unity. Christians, however, should not take it on faith that everything is as it has been handed down from our ancestors. First, it needs to be compared to the word of God. The Bible says in Jeremiah 10:23 that “it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” It is therefore not always perfect to understand human understanding. God alone can lead us in the right direction.
I learned that there are traditions that can take us away from God. People still have more fear for their ancestors' spirits than for God in many places. If they do not carry out certain rituals, bad things will happen to them, some think. However, the Bible tells us to trust in God. God commanded, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”, Exodus 20:3. In this I was reminded that there is no tradition that takes the place of obedience to God.
Once, I lived my life according to some beliefs of my family without knowing the reason. My elders did, so I suppose they were correct. The next day I heard a teaching on testing all beliefs with the Scriptures. I took to my heart that message. I started to read the bible and realized some of them were grounded on fear and not faith in God. It was not easy for me because I didn't want to disrespect my family, but it was more important that I follow God's truth. This helped me to shift my perspective and to find peace in my heart.
This is the kind of thing I've learned in this topic that not all the stuff that we got from our ancestors was bad. Good values such as kindness, respect for parents, truthfulness and love for family can be maintained. These things agree with the teachings of God. But customs contrary to the Bible are no reason to live an unscriptural life. We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). As Christians our faith ought to be based on God's word, and not just on tradition.
Finally, I think we should honor our ancestors, but not take all traditions for granted without looking at them in the Bible. God has provided us with His Word for our guidance into the truth. In God's presence, when I choose to believe, rather than be afraid or cling to blind tradition, I feel closer to Him and more confident in my faith.