It's another day, and a beautiful one it is indeed! Our two Korean students Ji-Su and Sang Hyuk are still with us and we are truly enjoying watching them discover American culture. Last night we had a barbecue and we exposed them to hamburgers, chicken and various other foods cooked up "cowboy style." As we watch them eat and talk among themselves it is a study in the differences and similarities with people all around the world. People are people are people are people, no matter where you go! We hosted a swim party as well and one of the best parts of the night was watching the Korean students swim and splash and laugh and have a generally good time with each other and with us! We are very excited for them as well as our own children as they all get the opportunity to be exposed to a much bigger world than Gunpo City, Korea and Moses Lake, Washington.
Culture is truly a powerful force as I consider the differences between us and our Korean friends. Encarta dictionary says culture is; 3. Shared values and beliefs - the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a particular nation or people. Why is it that certain foods which are abhorrent to us taste good to them, and vice versa? Culture is something that is built into us from the womb, and it is the way a society adheres together producing unity and strength, or division and weakness.
When Jesus came to the earth, He introduced a new culture called the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. The culture He introduced was to transform people from the inside out and have as its hallmarks love for God and love for people. This kingdom could only work if people first went through the inward transformation, as loving God and loving people like He spoke of is totally impossible without a change of heart.
Many today speak of world peace, the brotherhood of humanity and the global family, but cannot even get along with their spouse, neighbor, co-worker, or the guy that just cut them off in traffic! Jesus told us to love even our enemies! I have a hard time loving my wife like she deserves and Jesus commands, much less loving my enemies! I am in need of constant change and transformation if I am ever going to see the culture of the kingdom of heaven invade the earth that I live in!
As we continue to host the Korean students, I am hoping they will see not only American culture, but the culture of the kingdom of heaven in our midst! I am hoping that 21 years as a follower of Christ will have worked sufficient change within my heart to be noticeable to them and to the people around me everyday in Moses Lake, Washington, USA!
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