As one who likes to study and understand people, I was
fascinated by our studies of anthropology and worldview. It made me think about
how I relate to and have related to those around me. We all have a “people
group” or “culture” around us. It may be one we claim or not, but we can’t
ignore it. We may not even recognize it, but how we understand the world. For
example, I’d say that I’ve dwelt among worldviews/cultures as various as:
Southern Belles/Beaux [aka South Georgians], hippies, artists, bandies, ghetto
kids, athletes, brown people, WASPs, the Christian culture, hipsters, the Greek
[frats, that is], the green movement, nerds,
and the list goes on and on.
Now, what does that matter? Can’t we all just get along?
Sure we can, but we must know how to communicate. Most likely, there is someone
in your circle that has a different view of the world. Even if they have the
same worldview as you, do you meet people where they are with the truth? It
made me think about how I talk to others and explain my thoughts and ideas. Do
I just throw a script of what I believe at people, or do I actually listen to
everyone as a human being, valued by God? It’s a tough question, but it’s
essential. Do I look to love people by telling them the truth or do I just want
them to agree with me? If I claim to be a follower of Jesus, I need to follow
His example of living life with people and speaking into that.
So, those are just some thoughts from the week. Enjoy.
