Welcoming: Opening doors to Strangers

The idea to love one another no matter the cost changed history. This idea was and still is a Christian idea. Then, Tippens says that we must remember that a stranger at our door may be a messenger from God. This statement reminded me of that old TV show “Highway to Heaven.” These men were always strangers, and they were God’s messengers.

Tippens reminds us that Jesus reached out to those who were marginalized; therefore in order to follow Jesus we must do the same. Tippens also says that a banquet need not be fancy, but it is the heart and spirit that makes the banquet worthy.

Tippens goes on to tell us that donating to those far away is not always enough. It is also important for us to directly help those in need at home.

Tippens also states that we must find our home in Jesus, and through finding that home, we will be more capable of showing hospitality to others. Furthermore, Tippens states that “Jesus welcomed others to his table without compromising the standards, and so can we” (62).

In America today, people find it difficult to follow through with welcoming others. Those who take advantage of other’s hospitality have jaded today’s Christian Americans. Though there are many people who try to get something for nothing, it is important to remember that others may genuinely need our help.

Also our culture has raised us to believe that we are all in danger all of the time. We are conditioned from the time that we can talk to not talk to strangers. The media shows us countless acts of violence that are perpetrated against our brothers and sisters, which places fear into our hearts. With this kind of mentality it is hard for us to reach out to those who live closest to us.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." - NIV 1John 3:16-18

Forgiveness

Tippens explains that we all must find it in our hearts to forgive. He reminds us that “Jesus came to forgive; we have been forgiven by him; we must forgive others.”

I remember that when I was growing up my mother would always tell me “two wrongs don’t make a right.” I think that what she was trying to say is that the failure to forgive someone for their wrong is just as wrong as the original wrong. Tippens says, “First, we should consider that forgiveness is a grace that begins with God, not with us.”

Just as Tippens says in the next section of the chapter, I believe that good can come out of any bad situation, no matter how horrendous it may seem to us. I do not think that God wills bad things to happen to us to teach us a lesson. It just happens. I know that everything I have been through in my life has made me a stronger person. This has happened through God’s grace, and in the strength he has given me, I can forgive.

Tippens tells us though that we must remember to forgive ourselves as well. This is where many of us lacking. We tend to blame ourselves because we have “allowed ourselves” to get hurt. Tippens warns if you do not forgive yourself, this can lead to “guilt and shame,” which can turn into “anger toward others.” I never thought that when I verbally lash out toward others, which does happen sometimes, that I could be from my inability to forgive myself.

In American culture, it is difficult to forgive people, because it is difficult to trust others. We must remember that we can forgive people for how they have wronged us, but trust is earned. Also in American movies, vengeance is the answer to the problems that plague us. We all must remember, “Vengeance never settles the matter” (Tippens 121).

But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:4

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4

to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, Luke 1:77

He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3

and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38

to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:18

[ Forgiveness for the Offender ] If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 2 Corinthians 2:5

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace Ephesians 1:7

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

[ Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness ] This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Am I American or Christian?

It was interesting to read The ABCs of American Culture. I had never before realized how American notions are ingrained in our culture. Three of The Ten Commandments of American Culture stood out to me more than others: You Can’t Argue With Success, Live and Let Live, and God Helps Those Who Help Themselves. In order to think more as a Christian I need to work on these areas.

First, I am American in my thinking when it comes to success. I always strive to be the best at everything I do. I want to be the best mother, wife, friend, and daughter. I fail in some areas of my life in order to be a success in others. I understand it is not possible to be successful at everything. That is why I continue to remain stressed. I am not satisfied with something, so I push for better. I am at odds with my Christianity; because I spend so much time trying to be successful in my physical life, I ignore my spiritual life too often. Like the ant, I reap my rewards for my diligent attention to being the best I can be at everything I work toward; but like the sluggard, my spiritual life yields little reward. This American notion of success makes it difficult for me to be serious about my discipleship. I stay so consumed with being a success; I have very little time for discipleship.

The American commandment Live and Let Live is also difficult for my discipleship. By American law, I am to be accepting to all types of people, even if I feel their views and lifestyles are sinful and hurtful to the world. I recognize that I live in a political correct society. However, as a Christian, I know certain lifestyles are sinful and full of shameful desires. I know we are called to reach out to those who sin, but many of them are not willing to accept the hand that grants them grace. When I talk to others about their lifestyles, I am often met with a great deal of resistance. I tell them they know my feelings and should be respectful enough to refrain from their behavior in the presence of my children and myself. When they wrong me, I forgive. It would be easy to throw my arms up and walk away. I have often thought of doing so. However, I begin to think of the story of Hosea and Gomer. Afterwards, I forgive and persist in my efforts to teach them the love of God. My choice to forgive is very difficult for many to understand, especially since I have a problem with the sinfulness of those who wrong me. My persistence has me labeled as a fool, but I continue in my efforts.

It was through the efforts of Christians that I have changed my view on the commandment God Only Helps Those Who Helps Themselves. I have heard this phrase uttered time and time again. At one point in my life, I did believe this. Now, I know it is not true. My family and I have been down and out in the past. It was amazing to witness how God helped us through such a difficult time in our lives. Though we were financially destitute, we were spiritually blessed and gained Christian faith. I know that Jesus reached out to many who could not help themselves. In his blessings and woes Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). I know it was through the grace of God and efforts of my Christian brethren that my family and I were able to get back on our feet. I know, now, that God helps those who need Him regardless of whether they can or cannot help themselves. I feel it is important for Christians to remember that many people are incapable of helping themselves, not only financially, but also physically or mentally. God is there for them. Though I feel that my Christian mentality has overridden my American mentality in this area, I falter here occasionally. I may think, “Well if you would do something....” I usually catch myself, therefore feel it is a work in progress.

As long as I strive to progressively work on these areas of my life, it will be easier for me to be successful in my efforts as a disciple. The one thing that I try to remember to help me persevere in my efforts is our God is not a God of punishment, but is a God of love and compassion. Hopefully, through my efforts and understanding I can become less American and more Christian.

One World Under God

As Christians, the globalization of a language should be our ultimate goal. God’s dream is for the togetherness of his creation. This togetherness will not be reached until all language barriers are broken. However, many people believe the globalization of a language is a mistake. People fear a global language. They do not realize that teaching a universal language is the key to the future. They cannot conceive that the globalization of a language may be part of an ongoing evolutionary process. People fear that regulation will eliminate their language. Thus, they are afraid that the globalization of English will mean the loss of culture.

Agreeably, language is tied closely to culture. However, many bilingual people are able to keep their culture alive as well as their native language. For instance, the United States of America is a culturally diverse nation. Diversity helps us to differentiate who we are and how we live. Many Americans were not raised in cultures that English language is the native tongue; however, in order to find our full potential in today’s culture and society many individuals had to learn formal English. To thrive as a culturally diverse world, we need to look at all of the native tongues spoken on Earth as an enhancement to culture. Unfortunately, we live in a world so caught up in black, white, and brown when describing culture that we fail to realize some cultures have no racial boundaries.

The Deaf community is one such culture. The biggest complaint from the Deaf is they feel excluded when they are among the hearing. Though it is easier for the Deaf to communicate with those in their own culture than with the rest of the world, they have learned how to assimilate with their surroundings. Women are another culture of many faces, colors, and backgrounds. However, they have learned how to assimilate into their national cultures as well. In order to assimilate to their places of employment many college graduates in India take on a Western persona to make callers believe that they are Westerners while taking customer service calls for many companies. However, when they go home, they go home to a rich culture that most Westerners cannot fathom. They, too, have assimilated, but to a worldly culture other than their national culture.

Assimilation is the key to a brighter future. A global language would bring us closer to becoming a worldwide community. English, today, is the key to assimilation for many people. As English speakers, “We are encouraged to view ourselves as being in some way on a “winning side” (502). English is the dominant language of Europe and is now being used all across the continent in a business settings and it is taught in most schools. Because the most dominant language spoken worldwide is English; in order to thrive, individuals need knowledge of the dominant language. Children in Taiwan learn English in order to give them a head start in the world. Their parents spend most of their annual income in order to give their children this boost. Konglish is a stepping-stone for Koreans to learn how to speak formal English. It should not be suppressed because it defines who the Koreans that speak Konglish are. We must remember, however, to teach also children of where they come from and who their ancestors. This are can give them a better sense of cultural identity. Educators do not teach students to speak informally; they learn informal speech from their peers and families.

We can use student’s languages as a doorway to teach them formal English. After all, education is a key to students’ futures. Through education, students learn formal language in order to prepare them for a better life. Failure to switch the language that educators teach to students in schools properly will not prepare students for their full potential. In English classes, it is the teacher’s responsibility to teach English. We must also teach students that words are a powerful tool. They must know the description of a verb or noun gives the verb or noun a power, either weak or strong. We must stress that words not only can enhance text, but also inadvertently hurt a reader, and words can be used to dehumanize people.

Students must learn that the choice of words can affect the audience. Therefore, they must take care to not offend anyone. If students choose not to offend anyone, they must be sure that you use politically correct words and phrases. Students must learn the type of writing the author chooses to do depends on the type of response the author wants. To keep the message positive, students must choose only positive imagery and metaphors. Again, language is the most important tool for any prospective author. Once a student turns in a finished essay, paper or assignment the language should be grammatically correct. No matter the language a student speaks, the language that they write is always and should always be more formal. Once the student has learned a formal language, they will be able to effectively assimilate into a worldwide culture.

Assimilation is not the only reason we need to look at a global language. We must understand that language is an eternal work in progress. Today, our language is already a former shell of itself, and it is always evolving. Though they have been changing since pen was put to paper, the shifts in language have been gradual and steady. This steady change is a lot easier for the speaker of any language to accept. Each generation sees changes in the way we speak and the way we write. Technologies have changed language in ways many could have never imagined. The art of formal writing may be lost forever if we do not set boundaries for the use of the new language. The more people rely on convenient shortcuts, such as symbols and emoticons; the more difficult it becomes for them to be able to communicate effectively with one another. Convenience tends to lead to evolution but do we want language to evolve in such a way. Though our language is constantly evolving, we should not allow it to evolve too quickly. Any sudden change to any language would unleash chaos upon the speakers of that language. If we are not careful, formal language is an art form that may be lost forever.

Many people believe in order to prevent the loss of formal language, there must be laws implemented in order to regulate the usage of language. This regulation could be detrimental to the evolutionary process of formal language into one language that all people can understand. Instead, law should protect language in order to preserve cultures. Language is one of the more important aspects of a culture; therefore, native languages should be preserved. Conformity removes our uniqueness; it changes who we are. It is possible to assimilate into a community without conforming to the community. Forced conformity can and will bring about the worst in people. It further separates mankind into social classes. Forced conformity makes radicals out of people and gives us more reason to fight with one another. It brings about chaos. Governing language is not a step toward unity; it is a step back. It rips us from our cultures, costs us money that could be better spent on human welfare, and it condemns honest people for being who they are. We can assimilate into a worldwide community if we let go of all of our social boundaries without releasing our hold on our cultures.

If we can let go of all our social boundaries and find common ground, we can stand together in a more peaceful manner. We must surrender our misconceptions of other cultures in the world in order to change the world. Globalization of a language does not mean the end of a culture. It can help people to understand each other’s differences. It can bring the world together into one community. We can make this culturally diverse community if we educate people on the rewards. We can get there by giving the marginalized people of the world a leg up by teaching them the language. We can make a united, worldwide community by allowing language to evolve naturally and without forcing a global language upon other people. Bringing all of mankind together into one peaceful community would fulfill God’s dream.