Last time we said our forefathers were reaching for God. Today we look at what they built while they reached. A lot of it is beautiful, and a lot of it is worth keeping.
What’s Good, and Why Scripture Agrees
Hunhu and community. The Nguni proverb says a person is a person through other persons. Researchers describe Shona hunhu as a way of life built on caring, hospitality, respect and shared responsibility. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The early church shared what they had so no one went without (Acts 2:44-45). “A threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Respect for elders. Leviticus 19:32 tells us to “honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God.” Honoring parents sits among the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). In our homes, elders carry wisdom and help settle disputes. Proverbs 15:22 says plans succeed where there are many counselors.
Hospitality. Studies of African societies describe welcoming a guest as a duty that touches a person’s very humanity. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Romans 12:13 says to practice hospitality.
Family and care for the vulnerable. Our extended families take in orphans and look after aging parents. James 1:27 calls caring for orphans and widows pure religion. First Timothy 5:8 says that anyone who won’t provide for his own household has denied the faith.
Honesty and hard work. Our proverbs praise both. “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).
The Conviction
Here’s the honest part. We’re letting this gift die. Many of us have let individualism creep in. Elders sit forgotten. The visitor gets a closed gate. The orphan becomes someone else’s problem. We praise our culture on Heritage Day and abandon it on Monday.
And some of us have made a quieter mistake. We’ve trusted our goodness. We’re respectful, hospitable and generous, so surely that’s enough. It isn’t. “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The best of hunhu can’t wash away one sin.
If You’re Resting on Being a Good Person
Lay it down today. Come to the One who is better than your best. If you’ve never surrendered to Jesus, you can pray right now:
“Lord Jesus, my goodness isn’t enough. I need You. I believe You died and rose for me. Forgive my sins, come into my life, and be my Lord. Amen.”
Now Rise Up
Saved people become the best of their culture. Let your light shine so that people “see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Visit one elder this week. Open your table to a stranger. Take in a child who needs a home or support one who has one. Pay your workers on time. Tell the truth when it costs you.
You’re “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). When our culture’s best qualities carry Christ’s name, people don’t have to guess why you’re different.
Next in the series: Part 3, One Foot in Each World? Time to Choose and Walk Free.