Cultural Grace Collision

Revelation came today. 

Upon listening to a lesson at church today, I realized that cultural make-up can seep into our natural response to The Cross. 

In America, the culture raises its children in drive and success. 

We are taught to work hard and strive for self-improvement. 

We're also taught to be self sufficient and independent. 

In America, we aren't good receivers. We don't know how to accept gifts. Even when we accept the gift, we feel obligated to act in appreciation -  write a thank you note or take a mental note that we're indebted to the giver.

In South Africa, the culture has been so racially divided and economically strapped. 

The community I work in is poor, under-resourced and desperate for assistance of any kind. 

My South African people are used to hand-outs … even expect them. 

They feel entitled to resources because they were ignored for so long. 

They are taught to be dependent. 

In South Africa, my community are good receivers. We accept gifts, donations, and any sort of assistance. We feel we deserve the gift and rarely think to appreciate or respond to the giver. 

Oh how this translates spiritually!

The American church struggles with free. 

We take something that's meant to be without-cost and we build our lives around trying to show our thanks through tasks, missions, studies, and services. We work the heck out of something that is free. When Jesus came to die for our wrongs, he knew we couldn't buy it, earn it, serve it, or take credit for it. Hence, the price-tag is free. The American culture is skeptical of free. 

The South African church struggles with cost. 

My friends take something that's free and often rid it of meaning and sacrifice. The Cross is freely accepted and appreciated for the ease of access. However, it's often NOT taken seriously in the long-term, because there's no ownership in the gift. Just like a hand-me-down, we engage The Cross as something that is given too freely; therefore, often not recognized as costly. 

As an American, I now understand why I've been so frustrated with my South African church culture. To me, church is about service, about  active expression of gratitude, and working on my relationship with the Lord. My natural tendency is activity. We need to learn to accept Jesus' gift freely and leave it at that!

My South African church are great recipients. They are not good at expressing appreciation or gratitude. They do not see the need to be an active participant in the Body of Christ. They are very comfortable in being fed and staying in that child-like relationship of being served. There's rarely thought about how to go deeper in relationship with Christ or community. My South African friends need to learn to express thankfulness to Christ, The Giver!

There's a middle ground. 

Grace isn't earned. 

Sin is already paid for. 

But the expression of thanksgiving is necessary Worship!

Both of these cultures can learn from each other. 

I'm appreciating the experience and lessons of a multi-cultural calling! Honored to see the Lord in both.