Culture Wars
Several years ago I participated in an exercise designed to help Christian workers understand the process of bringing the Word of God to a foreign culture. The first characteristic that was required of a new missionary was humility. The second attribute was an attitude of submission. The third was a quality of teachability. In other words once you had demonstrated respect for who they were, submitted to their lifestyle, and communicated a desire to learn from them, you were ready to attempt to teach, that is, present the Gospel. Sadly, none of these qualities is easily attained; the flesh resists them.
I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when the Wives Club was discussing struggles with difficult in-laws. When we marry each of us is joined to a foreign culture (unless you marry a sibling, which is forbidden in most of the world.) In order to enter safely and have a chance of being accepted, these same characteristics, humility, submission, and teachability, are essential.
It is amazing how highly God esteems humility and how little regard we who love Him have for it. In many cultures some form of bow, curtsy, genuflect, or kneeling is expected upon meeting or greeting someone or entering their home. Bowing indicates respect for the culture and position of the other and submission to the authority of that home. Americans do not bow on the outside, but, as Christians, we would do well to learn to bow on the inside. This sacrifice of our position and power to that of another for the sake of love can be the first step to acceptance when meeting new acquaintances or dealing with in-laws. Failure to do so can lead to rifts that can last a lifetime.
If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.Matthew 23:11-13 CEV
