Norman Vincent Peale tells of a young couple that came to the church where he preached to be married. They were excited because the groom's grandparents and parents had both been married at that very place. Dr. Peale asked the couple where they attended. With an embarrassed laugh they explained to him that they really didn't worship anywhere but, they quickly reminded him, that his grandparents were very faithful Christians. They even had grandfather's high silk hat that he had wore during the wedding ceremony at this very location.

Dr. Peale later reflected that their religion was very much like the grandfather's hat: It was an heirloom from the past that someone else had worn at one time, but that really wasn't put to use anymore. I wonder how many people are like that today. They worship (at least occasionally) at the same place that their ancestors did, but for no real reason other than that's where their family has always gone. In other words, they are not worshiping out of a studied understanding of God's word - they just go where they go because that's where their people have always gone.

And, unfortunately, their religion does them about as much good as Grandfather's hat did for that young couple.

How about you? Are you worshiping where you worship because of a conviction that you have found the church described in the Bible, or are you practicing "heirloom religion"? Are you serving God in the way that you are convinced the Bible teaches, or are you even aware of what the Bible teaches? In short, are you being faithful to God, or to the beliefs of your forefathers? The answer to those questions may well determine your dwelling place for all eternity.

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. Mark 7:6-8, NIV