Dear Father, Today I reflected on the tension within tradition: the parts of culture passed on from generation to generation, and its subtlety: how we are born into it and become accustomed to it long before we are wise enough to question its troubling practices. In several passages throughout Scripture, Jesus reveals how some strongly upheld practices are, in fact, without substance. For instance, when He healed a man with a withered hand and the Pharisees asked Him if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath day, He replied, saying, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep!” The greater issue, however, lies in customary practices that contradict truth, and practices that appear spiritually strong, yet are hollow. I have seen how deeply this affects us globally: Christians, Muslims, and even unbelievers. We may remain committed to our daily prayer practices, but we often forget to take our hearts along. It becomes commitment, not relationship--and sadly, we can barely tell the difference. There are countless other beliefs that claim our loyalty, yet stand in contrast to true spiritual growth. Father, how can the world be healed? As for me, I will test all spirits: not only others, but my own assumptions, and pursue knowing You beyond what I have been taught about You. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #beliefsystem #tradition #knowingGod sabah