Embracing Cultural Differences: A Journey of Understanding

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Unfamiliar with Openness

In our journey through life, we often encounter cultures and experiences vastly different from our own. These encounters can evoke strong emotions such as confusion, frustration, or even offense. However, these feelings are a natural part of being human and can serve as a gateway to deeper understanding and connection. By embracing cultural differences with an open heart, we allow ourselves to see the beauty in diversity and learn from the richness of other traditions. This openness not only enriches our own lives but also builds bridges of trust and respect with those who are different from us. [11:37]

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt uncomfortable due to cultural differences. How can you approach similar situations with an open heart and a willingness to learn?

Day 2: Observing and Inquiring Over Criticizing

When faced with unfamiliar customs, it is easy to fall into the trap of criticism. However, choosing to observe and inquire instead fosters rapport and trust, allowing for meaningful relationships to develop. By taking the time to understand the deeper meaning behind unfamiliar customs, we can transform moments of discomfort into opportunities for growth and connection. This approach not only helps us build stronger relationships but also enriches our understanding of the world around us. [13:35]

"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Recall a time when you were quick to criticize an unfamiliar custom. How can you practice observation and inquiry in similar situations moving forward?

Day 3: The Power of Strategic Withdrawal

Sometimes, stepping back is necessary to process overwhelming emotions. A strategic withdrawal can help you regroup and re-engage with a fresh perspective. This approach allows you to navigate cultural differences with greater empathy and understanding. By taking the time to reflect and process your emotions, you can approach new experiences with a renewed sense of openness and curiosity. This not only benefits your personal growth but also enhances your ability to connect with others. [15:25]

"And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." (Mark 6:31, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel overwhelmed by cultural differences. How can you create space for strategic withdrawal to gain a fresh perspective?

Day 4: Recognizing and Balancing Preconceptions

We all carry preconceived attitudes into new experiences, which can shape our perceptions and interactions. Recognizing and balancing these attitudes is crucial for approaching new cultures with respect and openness. By acknowledging our biases, we can choose to respond with empathy and understanding, rather than fear and rigidity. This not only enriches our own experiences but also fosters a sense of mutual respect and appreciation for diversity. [18:39]

"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a preconceived attitude you hold about a particular culture. How can you challenge this attitude to approach new experiences with greater openness?

Day 5: Finding Blessings in the Unfamiliar

What may initially seem offensive or strange can often be a form of blessing in another culture. By seeking to understand the deeper meaning behind unfamiliar customs, we can uncover profound expressions of love and blessing. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of other cultures but also deepens our appreciation for the beauty of diversity. As we navigate these cultural landscapes, let us strive to choose the higher road of empathy and understanding. [23:22]

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a custom or tradition that you initially found strange. How can you seek to understand its deeper meaning and find the blessing within it?

Sermon Summary

In our journey through life, we often encounter cultures and experiences vastly different from our own. Today, I shared a personal story from our time in Africa, where my family and I visited the Maasai tribe in Kenya. This experience highlighted the profound cultural differences that can initially seem bewildering or even offensive. For instance, when my son Mark was spat on by a Maasai warrior, it was a moment of confusion and discomfort. However, we later learned that this act was a form of blessing in their culture, symbolizing God's favor, much like rain in their arid land.

This story serves as a gateway to understanding the broader concept of cultural adjustment. When we enter a new culture, we are often confronted with a myriad of differences that can evoke negative emotions such as frustration, confusion, and embarrassment. These feelings are natural and indicate our humanity. The key is how we choose to respond to these emotions. We can either observe, listen, and inquire, which fosters understanding and rapport, or we can criticize, rationalize, and withdraw, leading to alienation and isolation.

The Cultural Adjustment Map is a tool that helps us navigate these feelings and choices. It reminds us that while we may have preconceived attitudes—whether open and accepting or fearful and rigid—we are all a mix of these traits. Our challenge is to choose the path of understanding and connection, even when faced with discomfort or fear. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also build bridges of trust and respect with those who are different from us.

Ultimately, our experiences in different cultures teach us about the beauty of diversity and the importance of humility and openness. They remind us that what may seem strange or offensive at first can often be a profound expression of love and blessing in another context. As we navigate these cultural landscapes, let us strive to choose the higher road of empathy and understanding.

Key Takeaways

1. engage with a fresh perspective. [15:25]
4. Understand Your Preconceptions: We all carry preconceived attitudes into new experiences. Recognizing and balancing these attitudes can help us approach new cultures with respect and openness.

5. Seek the Blessing in the Unfamiliar: What may initially seem offensive or strange can often be a form of blessing in another culture. Seek to understand the deeper meaning behind unfamiliar customs.

** [15:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:33] - Arrival in Maasai Village
[04:15] - Cultural Adjustment Map Introduction
[08:34] - Potential for Conflict and Offense
[11:37] - Normalizing Negative Feelings
[13:35] - Coping Strategies: Observation vs. Criticism
[15:25] - The Role of Strategic Withdrawal
[18:39] - Preconceived Attitudes and Fears
[19:36] - The Impact of War Stories
[23:22] - Understanding the Maasai Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the initial reaction of Mark when he was spat on by the Maasai warrior, and how did his understanding change later? [23:22]
How does the Cultural Adjustment Map help individuals when they enter a new culture? [04:15]
What are the two coping strategies mentioned in the sermon for dealing with cultural differences? [13:35]
What does the act of spitting symbolize in the Maasai culture, and how does it relate to their understanding of God's blessing? [23:22]

Interpretation Questions

How does Romans 12:2 relate to the idea of cultural adjustment and the transformation of our preconceived attitudes?
In what ways does 1 Corinthians 9:22 encourage us to adapt to different cultural contexts for the sake of building relationships?
How can Philippians 2:3-4 guide us in valuing and understanding cultural differences with humility and openness?
What does the sermon suggest about the importance of choosing observation over criticism when encountering unfamiliar customs? [13:35]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you encountered a cultural difference that made you uncomfortable. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to foster understanding? [11:37]
How can you apply the principle of strategic withdrawal in your life when feeling overwhelmed by cultural or social differences? [15:25]
Identify a preconceived attitude you have about a particular culture. How can you work towards balancing this attitude with respect and openness? [18:39]
Think of a situation where you might have criticized a cultural practice. How can you shift your approach to one of observation and inquiry instead? [13:35]
What steps can you take to seek the blessing in unfamiliar customs or practices in your community or workplace? [23:22]
How can you become more aware of your own cultural biases and work towards embracing diversity in your daily interactions?
Consider a relationship in your life that could benefit from greater empathy and understanding. What specific actions can you take to build a bridge of trust and respect?

Sermon Clips

"I'm really delighted to be here with you today and to share this course with my husband. This is something that we have taught for many years and have always enjoyed doing this very, very much. So we'll start then with another diagram, but before I show you the diagram, I want to tell you a story. Several years ago when we were in Africa, my husband and I, we had our two boys and they were nine and ten years old, and we were visiting some missionary friends in Kenya. And these missionaries were working with the Maasai tribal group. This is a very distinguished, very colorful group of nomads that are very well studied by anthropologists. I'm sure several of you have heard about them or have read about them." [00:00:16]

"The Maasai life revolves around their cattle, their cows, and they live very close to their cows, and they live very close to their cows, and they also drink a lot of the cow's milk, and they also drink the cow's blood. And it's a very different sort of experience for us and our family, and we were very excited about going there to meet with these group of Maasai warriors, actually, is what they're called." [00:01:18]

"And so our friends arranged for us, our missionary friends arranged for us to go and have tea in a Maasai village. And so we got in the car with the children and we went out. And just before we got there, they said, okay, when you get out of the car, you as an adult, Duane and I, my husband and I, we must, you must, you must greet the people and there will be lots of children that will come and they'll gather around the car and they will present their heads to you. And they will all be bald. They will be shaved. And what you do is you put your hand on their head and then you say a greeting." [00:01:48]

"All of a sudden, the car was surrounded by children, and we got out of the car, and my husband and I are putting our hands on their heads and saying, God bless you, hello, nice to see you. We were touching the children's heads. Meanwhile, our son Mark, our nine -year -old, he encountered a Maasai warrior. The Maasai warrior was standing there with a big stick, and he had two red sheets that were knotted on his shoulder. He looked at my son, and Mark was very dutiful. He presented his head, and the Maasai warrior spit on him three times, and the spittle was running down his cheek." [00:02:51]

"very very useful to many many thousands of people that have gone into other cultures because it's a map that tells them where they're at in their adjustment to cross -cultural in fact we've had people take these maps and put them up on their bathroom mirror when they get into another culture just to remind themselves every morning you know where am I at in my adjustment to this new culture and so I would recommend that you think about that when you go into another culture to take it with you so let's look at this map here when you enter another culture you are immediately hit with the facts of life abroad what and you have all kinds of negative feelings that come out of the differences that you encounter like the spit running down your throat down your face the frustration the confusion the tension the embarrassment all these negative negative feelings start welling up inside of you and you get very very it's very upsetting and the longer you stay the more differences you encounter and they're often much deeper differences so let's stop and think for a minute what are some of the differences you expect to encounter we've talked a little bit about that already but what are some of the bigger differences you expect to encounter when you go into another culture I know some of you have been in other cultures and you've experienced those differences what are they let's let's make a list or think about those differences I" [00:04:15]

"And there are scores of differences that you encounter, like you said, the language one. It makes you feel like a two -year -old when you get there because you can't say anything and you can't get your mouth around the words. And it's very disconcerting, and it's very hard because you feel like a little child again, and that's difficult. And then you get the issues of corruption. Perhaps they do things differently, and you can't always expect to find the same fruit in your basket that you saw on the stand, et cetera. And then these are the things that give you all these terrible feelings. You know, you get so mad because you see these things." [00:07:35]

"So there are so many little things like that that can create all these negative feelings that we have. And then we get angry and we get confused and we get frustrated. And I know I often have found myself thinking, that's so inappropriate. That is so wrong the way they're doing these things. I certainly wouldn't have done it that way. You know, and you, you, they must be so, and you've got all these negative, you know, adjectives that you, you give there and these feelings tend to grow. And pretty soon you begin doubting yourself. And you begin to think, why did I come here in the first place? What am I doing here? And I will never fit in. I will never. And so all these feelings start tearing around in your, in your being. Now. The thing that we have to remember is that these feelings are normal." [00:11:37]

"It means when you have all these negative feelings that you have red blood flowing in your veins, that you are a human being. And this is normal for all human beings to feel these negative things. In fact, there was a group in the United States early on when they were just starting to study cultures that were sending groups of young people. Overseas to work around the world. And so they sent the first group out after they were organized. And they thought, well, we'll train them well. So they trained them very well, sent them out. And when these young people came back, they were reporting all these negative feelings and how badly they felt and how hard it was." [00:11:37]

"And the trainers thought, oh, we didn't do a very good job. And so they tried to do it differently and they changed some things. They trained. The next group of young people sent. them out. And the young people came back after their period of time overseas, and they found that they all felt the same thing. And finally, this group decided, and these were part of the U .S. government, they decided, you can't train it. Train people so they don't feel these things. So now what to do? How do we train them so that they don't feel these things? Because this is the situation they find themselves in. And the good news, the good news about it is that we have discovered is that you have a choice." [00:12:09]

"You can make a choice. When you have all these negative feelings, you can decide, I'm going to do some things differently. And there are two coping strategies. There are two choices you can make. The first choice you can make is you can decide to observe. You can look around. You can look at what they're doing. You look at how they act. And you can observe. And you can listen. Listen to how they relate to each other. And you can inquire. If you don't understand, find somebody that understands the culture and ask and inquire." [00:13:10]

"And that kind of a choice will lead to rapport, to good relationships, to trust relationships and understanding. And you'll understand the culture more and more. As you observe and listen, there's another choice you can make. And this is a choice that many of us have made. I'm sure you've experienced this in your overseas experiences. You can criticize. You can rationalize. And you can withdraw. Now you can criticize and say, oh, it's so stupid the way they do this thing. Or I don't like this. I don't like it. Why don't they do it the way we do it? Or you can rationalize and say, well, we haven't been as educated as we are or whatever. And you can talk like that." [00:13:18]

"Or you can just simply withdraw. You can shut up and not say anything. You can just keep to yourself. You can just close down. And those kinds of choices, those kinds of choices will create alienation and isolation. And before too long, you're going to find yourself isolated, not understanding, people aren't going to be relating to you, etc. Now I wanted to say something about this withdrawing. Sometimes withdrawing is an important thing to do. A strategic withdrawal is what we call it. And that is when you feel so overwhelmed by all of these these negative feelings." [00:14:58]

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Were there any personal stories shared?