A mistake that is often made when visiting another country, so I am told, is that of supposing our culture to be intrinsically superior to theirs. This can take the shape of looking down on others, of offering our culture to them as what they really need, or (worst of all) of presenting the Gospel to them in terms defined by our culture. For example, if I go to Guatemala and teach on the Protestant work ethic and how the folks there all need to have more Christian discipline in their life so that they can enjoy the material blessings God gives us, I may do more harm than good to the situation. Notwithstanding the false assumption I have made in saying that material blessings always come when you are diligent (the Son of Man did not have a place to lay his head), it may be that God has called his saints there to live in a time and place where material blessings are scant; and that instead of trying to attain to the American standard of industriousness, they should be seeking the face of God as he is revealed in Scripture for the good of their souls. And it may also be that a perspective which understands and values their culture, so much more laid-back and deliberate than ours, will be much better suited to minister to them than one which foolishly insists on other people "rising to our level".
Because if the truth be known, the American culture has enough of its own problems that the phrase "rising to our level" is almost certainly laughable in the sight of God. But after the One enthroned in Heaven laughs, he rebukes us in his anger, saying, "I have enthroned my King on Zion, my holy hill." This is not mere poetry. God is showing us something very important about where our true home is. If we were redeemed, if we were bought at a price, if we have truly turned our eyes from everything else in this world to follow Jesus, then our hearts will be at home only in the Kingdom of God. Our allegiance is there first and foremost, and it becomes necessary for us to see that we will not find our true happiness anywhere else. I am as patriotic as anyone, and I love my country, but because I love America I will be honest about her shortcomings. We in this country are poor, pitiful, blind and naked. We need to come to Jesus for our riches and clothing and the restoration of our sight.
That must be the starting point of our mission. But though we are so broken and needy as modern Americans, we ought not think that there is nothing we can offer. As a culture we have been given many material blessings; let us be eager to "excel in this act of grace" as Paul says and share those blessings freely. As a culture we have access to an incredible amount of knowledge, both knowledge about Jesus Christ himself and knowledge about how to live life in his presence; let us give thought to every possible way in which we can bless those we go to serve with these resources. As a culture we value title, and standing, and means, and power; let us see clearly that we are going to a tiny, struggling orphanage in a poor country, and let us glory in that. And finally, let this be the message we take to Guatemala: that we are great sinners, but we have a great Saviour. This is the truth which levels time and place and even culture itself, to bring all nations in wonder and worship to the feet of God.
Jeremy
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