Day 32 Countdown. Cultural misunderstandings and the grace of God

Acts 16 (CSB)

11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice.

14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15 “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. , 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to go their own way, 17 although he did not leave himself without a witness, since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.

Misunderstandings happen--even when we are immersed in our own culture and language. How many times have you said your family or friends, "That is not what I meant"?

So imagine traveling hours (or days) away from home, engaging a new culture and language group, and then expecting all communication to flow smoothly. Even with the Gospel clearly stated, misunderstandings will happen. Paul and Barnabas found themselves in an awkward conversation. After God performed a miracle through Paul, the people proclaimed (in their tribal language) him to be Hermes, the messenger for Zeus (played by Barnabas). When they halted the sacrificial offering, the Lycaonians decided to beat and stone them for their deceit--even after a miracle had been performed! To shorten the story, Paul and Barnabas survived (or Acts would have only 15 chapters), but they also suffered through the misunderstanding.

A most famous example of "mission misunderstanding" is the story "Peace Child" as told by Canadian missionaries Don and Carol Richardson. While telling the general narrative of the Gospel over a series of presentations (storying the Gospel), Don was greatly surprised when the Sawi tribe of New Guinea celebrated the deceitful actions of Judas. He became the hero of the story because of the values of the Sawi community. Known as fierce warriors, head hunters, and cannibals, the Sawi were greatly feared by other tribes. The missionaries was startled and confused by this, and they struggled to present Jesus to a community that did not share the same cultural values. The solution: understanding that community disputes were often settled by bloodshed, unless a child was given from one community to another in order to end the bloodshed. Thus, when Jesus was presented as the "peace child" to settle the conflict between God and humanity, the tribe saw his betrayal as the height of disrespect. But it was not easy for the Richardsons to solve this problem--even after years of language study and cultural experience.

Most of the misunderstandings I have encountered have been minor, and mostly humorous.

• My name is Dr. Rogers, but I am not a medical doctor. (Disappointing looks always follow).

• When I describe something as "common," which implies the negative connotation of "not being special."

• Calling someone sharp for their looks, which is a compliment for their intellect. Or telling some they are smart, but it is a compliment for their looks.

• When you preach for 20 minutes, but people who have walked for days want the full day experience--so you improvise.

• When I went into someone's kitchen (a close friend) to serve them by washing the dishes, only to be strongly escorted out and scolded because men do not work in the kitchen.

• To have several local male leaders and family members walk with me through a town square, hugging me and holding my hands in turn--as a sign of respect and gratitude for my visit to their town--when I felt the moment to be "overly friendly."

  
  

But I have found that God continues to open doors for missions, not because I am a skilled missionary, but simply because I am willing to endure the cultural dissonance and laugh at myself. Mistakes and misunderstandings will happen. God's grace can take those moments and build bridges where none existed before. Humility and humor play an important role here. But the most important thing is the mission purpose: focus on the message of God, not on personal praise.

Pray: Thank God for any cultural awareness you may already have for your mission task. Ask God's grace to go before us, preparing the way for our journey. Ask for humility and humor as we deal with new circumstances and encounter new challenges. Let go of your fear of embarrassment, ignorance, or weakness. Listen for God's promises of grace and power.

Amen.