The Cross Culture

In our journey of faith, we often encounter the paradoxical nature of Christ's teachings. One such paradox lies at the heart of what it means to be a truly diverse and unified church: to win, we must be willing to lose. This counter-cultural approach challenges our natural inclinations and societal norms, inviting us into a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in a world marked by division.

The question many churches grapple with today is, "How can we become more diverse?" However, this may be the wrong question altogether. Diversity for diversity's sake can lead to superficial change without addressing the deeper issues of unity and faithfulness. Instead, we should be asking, "How can we become more faithful?" True faithfulness in Christ often means embracing a cross-cultural mindset that requires sacrifice and humility.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, provides a powerful example of this cross-cultural approach. He writes, "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible" (1 Corinthians 9:19). Paul's strategy for reaching people with the gospel involved a willingness to adapt and connect across cultural boundaries, even at great personal cost.

This cross-cultural calling invites us to lose in three significant ways:

1. Losing Our Rights
Paul declares that although he is free, he chooses to become a slave to everyone for the sake of the gospel. This radical statement challenges us to examine what rights or privileges we cling to that might hinder our ability to connect with others across cultural lines. In our worship services, are we willing to give up our right to comfort or familiarity for the sake of including others? Can we lay aside our preferences in music, language, or style to create a truly welcoming environment for all?

In a world where asserting our rights is often celebrated, the call to voluntarily lay them down for the sake of others is profoundly counter-cultural. Yet this is precisely what Jesus modeled for us, emptying himself of divine privilege to take on human form and ultimately sacrifice himself for our sake.

2. Losing Our Reputation
Paul's commitment to becoming "all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) meant that he often risked misunderstanding and criticism from various groups. To the Jews, he lived like a Jew; to those not under the law, he lived as one not under the law. This flexibility in his approach to ministry meant that his reputation often took a hit.

In our context, being willing to lose our reputation might mean associating with people or causes that others in our circles misunderstand or criticize. It could mean speaking up for justice in ways that make us uncomfortable or challenge the status quo. The key is to remain firmly rooted in God's truth while being willing to enter into the messiness of cross-cultural engagement.

3. Losing Our Rank
Paul writes, "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak" (1 Corinthians 9:22). This willingness to identify with those considered "weak" in society challenges our natural desire for status and recognition. In a world often defined by hierarchies and social rankings, the call to voluntarily step down from positions of privilege is radical.

This might mean acknowledging and laying aside the unearned advantages we have in society, whether they stem from race, education, economic status, or other factors. It involves a humble recognition that we all have something to learn from those the world might consider "weak" or marginalized.

A powerful example of this principle in action comes from a church near a military base. Recognizing that rank was creating barriers to fellowship, they instituted a "no rank at church" policy. This simple yet profound decision allowed people from all levels of the military hierarchy to worship together as equals, breaking down walls and fostering genuine community.

The beauty of this cross-cultural approach is that it reflects the very heart of the gospel. Jesus himself exemplified this losing-to-win mentality in the most profound way possible. He gave up his divine rights, lost his reputation by associating with sinners and outcasts, and surrendered his heavenly rank to become a servant of all. As Philippians 2:8 reminds us, "He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"

Embracing this cross-cultural mindset is not easy. It can feel like a heavy burden, a constant call to sacrifice and discomfort. However, the good news is that we don't embark on this journey alone or in our own strength. We follow in the footsteps of Christ, empowered by his Spirit, and motivated by the transformative love we've experienced through him.

As we embrace this call to lose our rights, reputation, and rank for the sake of the gospel, we open ourselves to experiencing the rich tapestry of God's diverse kingdom. We create spaces where people from every background can encounter the love of Christ and find true belonging. This kind of community—one that defies societal norms and breaks down barriers—becomes a powerful witness to the reconciling power of the gospel.

In a world torn apart by division and strife, the church has a unique opportunity to model a different way. By embracing the paradox of losing to win, we can become the kind of community that leaves the world in awe, wondering what could possibly unite such diverse people in genuine love and fellowship.

As we reflect on this challenging call, let's ask ourselves:

• What rights am I clinging to that might be hindering cross-cultural engagement?
• Am I willing to risk my reputation to reach out to those different from me?
• In what ways can I lay aside my social rank or privilege to identify with the "weak"?

May we have the courage to follow Christ's example, losing what the world values in order to gain what truly matters—a vibrant, diverse community that reflects God's heart for all people.