So much has been happening in the past week specifically in the aspects of growth, spiritual development and learning. I have been diving deep into the word and have been reading many recommended books to better equip me for sharing the Good News.
One of the main topics I have been reading about is the fact that not all cultures are the same or prioritize the same things. It has been such a cool thing to learn and has really shifted the way I look at the world and the Word.
I came on this trip thinking that everyone would want to hear how they are forgiven and loved, but I am finding out that not all cultures value that in the same way. I think this is a main challenge and roadblock for Christians and those working in ministry, especially those of us from a Western culture. We assume that everyone wants to hear the same message – often centered around forgiveness and love. Yes, deep down those are things every human being longs for, but culturally those aren’t always the topics that resonate, that speak to people, that move a nation.
Thankfully, there are many sides to the gospel, and it is beautiful! One of the books I recently read describes the Gospel as a diamond. What an amazing analogy. There are numerous sides, or facets, to the Gospel, yet it creates one whole. God didn’t just tell us to go out to all the nations and share the Good News without the tools and resources to speak to the many different cultures. He provided us with the Gospel that was in fact created to reach the ends of the earth. As I study, read, and experience all the culture differences I am just in awe of how beautifully God crafted the Gospel, the people, and the world. He made every tribe, tongue, and nation distinct and unique. He gave us the Gospel to love, intrigue, excite, and move each and every person. The Gospel is unchanging, but it does cater to all the nations. How glorious God is!
I am sharing this with you all so that it will move you to deepen your faith in the Lord as it has mine. I have grown to love every bit of the Gospel and find beauty in the differences in every culture. God is moving in and through all the nations. Praise God!
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