Have you ever wondered why common sense seems to be in such short supply? Is it possible that “Common Sense is not all that common,” as the French philosopher Voltaire said, or could there be a different reason why we often think that way?
As it turns out, Common Sense is cultural, meaning whatever is normal in your culture is Common Sense to you. This might lead us to conclude that the whole world is out of order when we are confronted with a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.
Our human tendency is to divide everything into the two categories of “right” or “wrong.” Sure enough, there are certain things that need to be put in either of these two. For instance, murder is never right in any culture. But there are many situations where the two categories are not sufficient. We might need another one called “different.” What kind of food is eaten in one culture may be cause for disgust in another. How one properly shakes another persons hand may be seen as a sign of weakness in one or indicate that you are out to prove something in another. In my western influenced culture, a firm handshake is seen as appropriate and respectful. I can still picture my Dad teaching me how to do it right. However, there are many other cultures, where a slack, loose handshake is “right.” Misunderstanding, conflict; even wars can result when we insist “ours” is the only right way. Before making a quick determination that something is wrong, because it is contrary to our view, we need to consider whether it is rather just “different.”
God is an amazing Creator. He did not make us clones of one another but allowed us to be wonderfully “different.” He didn’t create just one or two types of animals, flowers, or trees. The diversity of Creation is truly incredible.
In light of this, how can we live in peace with each other instead of letting differences keep us apart? Maybe the United States Motto: “E pluribus unum,” (out of many, one) or the word “university,” (out of diversity, one) provide an answer. Not “sameness,” but a coming together, finding unity amidst diverse viewpoints, where they are just different is desired. Followers of Jesus better get used to this, because as the Bible states, there will be a great multitude, from every nation, tribe, people group, and language before the throne of God. (Revelation 7:9)
I have discovered that having friends from different people groups, cultures and nations can be frustrating and difficult but also amazingly enriching and satisfying, because it is a glimpse of the wonderful diversity of the family of God.
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