Culture Shock

 

I'll be honest, transitioning to life here wasn't that hard for me.  I expected things to be different from life in the States, so when I encountered the differences I expected it was no big deal.  There were frustrations about certain things and big adjustments, but not any more so than what I was mentally prepared for.  Until now.  I feel like culture shock has hit me like a ton of bricks recently.  I'm sure some of it can be chalked up to the way life has been topsy turvy lately and that's true for everyone worldwide.  But it's more than that.  

 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.  And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
 - Ephesians 2:14-17
I'm not going to go into specifics about what hit me so hard because it was really a complex combination of things.  But I think what it boiled down to was our worldviews.  Coming from an American culture certain things are a priority whereas different things are prioritized in Middle Eastern culture.   Take time for example.  In America to be on time is sometimes viewed as being late.  Here, if you show up at the stated time, you're early.  Worldview is one of the big things discussed in both trainings we went through prior to coming... but one aspect also discussed in depth is taking on a Biblical worldview.  This is where I feel like the culture shock really hit.  I'm ok with new foods and flavors.  I'm ok with the strange system they have for electricity. I'm ok wearing long pants or skirts in the middle of summer so that I don't offend someone.  I'm ok with a lot of things.  
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

-Ephesians 4:1-3 
So why the struggle then?  Because I had different expectations for the people we're working with based on a Biblical worldview as opposed to the accepted views from their own culture.  It's not just them though.  I'm having to really look at myself and question which of the things I do are Biblical versus American cultural values.  

It's easy to see the speck in someone else's eye.  You'd think a giant plank would be noticeable in your own eye too, but it isn't always.  I've seen the same thoughts expressed in a number of different ways online recently too.  Things that white Americans didn't view as racist or contributing to systemic racism are now causing people to pause and think.  
At the end of the day,
if culture comes up against Christ,
change needs to occur. 
Over the past year and a half we've been here, I've tried to sit back and be quiet and just learn.  But when I felt strongly that Biblically we were called to act differently, I spoke out.  Perhaps stronger than I should have.... I have been told by a number of people that in order to be heard here, one must be extremely bold and direct... so I was.   And yet, I know it's also important to tame my tongue.  We're called to walk in a manner worthy of our call, and also making allowances for the faults of others.  

At the end of the day, I will be the one accountable for my words.  But I will also be accountable for allowing things to continue that do not line up with Biblical teaching. At the end of the day, if culture comes up against Christ, change needs to occur.   I'm praying that God would bring to light the things in my own life that have an American worldview but not a Biblical one.  It's not always comfortable but it's necessary work.  Pray that I would be able to remove the plank from my eye and have wisdom to know how to address some of the worldviews here that conflict with Biblical teaching.  

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