Hello my friends,
I want to share something on my heart that recently gripped my heart during my studies of Cross-Cultural Principles. During my studies I realized that one of the most difficult problems of missionaries today is that we struggle to embrace the diversity of different cultures. We struggle with this because of our mindset. This mindset which stems from ethnocentrism is the biggest hindrance to effective cross-cultural ministry. We have been doing things one way for so long that when something different is seen we cannot wrap our minds around it. Therefore, we often attribute negative connotations to the differences.
However, let me say this about diversity. I believe that God is a God who uses diversity to grow His church. There were many differences between the Jews and the Gentiles. but the Jews got so caught up in the traditions that when God did something different, it was hard for them to grasp. Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) the Lord says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God wants to do something new through those whose hearts are truly after Him. He is not looking on the outward appearance, but He is looking at the heart. There is much we as the children of God can learn from each others differences.
In conclusion, we need to be more kingdom minded when it comes to diversity among people and the church. Jesus embraced the differences and went against the traditions of the culture to demonstrate God’s love for all people from every nation. This is one reason why the religious leaders opposed Him. Therefore, let us embrace the differences and allow Christ to birth and grow His church rather than trying to do things how we always done them.
Building Bridges Through Cross-cultural Servanthood 