In France, most workers take the entire month of August for vacation. In addition, the French frequently linger over lunch for more than an hour, enjoying camaraderie and quality food. In contrast, many Americans sadly fail to take the vacation days to which they are entitled, preferring to keep their noses to the grindstone. Many of us have been guilty of eating sad, microwaved lunches alone in our cubicles to increase work productivity.
Moving made me ponder which ideals and customs ought to characterize everyone across the globe who claims the name of Christ. What traditions align best with biblical truth? What attitudes should characterize all believers regardless of their nationality?
The Sweet Sixtieth
One custom that aligns with biblical values involves honoring the elderly. According to Proverbs 16:31, gray hair is a crown of glory. In I Peter 5:5-10, younger Christians are admonished to submit to the authority of their elders. Historically, countries like South Korea have revered the older generation. However, Americans often fail to train children to respect their elders. As evidenced by wrinkle creams, hair dye, and Botox, many Americans dislike and even fear growing older.
In South Korea, children host a sixtieth birthday bash, known as hwan-gap, to commemorate their parents’ passage into “old age.” This tradition dates back to when few people lived past seventy. A similar fête for those celebrating their seventieth birthdays is known as kohCui, which means “old and rare”. As Christians, how can we honor our elders this week?
The Afternoon Nap
Another best practice among Christians worldwide is following God’s example of resting. Incorporating daily rest into our routines is biblical, acknowledging our limitations and trust in the Lord. A 1931 song by Noël Coward declares that only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. Inhabitants of hot climates understand the strength of the equatorial sun.
Though the cultural norm of napping in the afternoon (taking a siesta) is dying away in places like Mexico, Americans should strive to strike a healthier balance between resting and working. While we need not close businesses to nap every afternoon, getting proper sleep and not overscheduling ourselves would improve our margins.
The Protestant work ethic is laudable when practiced in moderation. Psalm 127:2 says it’s pointless to get up early and work late since God provides for his own while they sleep. A lack of adequate sleep can lead to mental and physical breakdown. Therefore, resting as needed is one way to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It also demonstrates our dependence on God and acknowledges that He’s “got this.” Psalm 121:4 explains that God never slumbers. Remember this week that God never sleeps, so we can.
The Royal Neighbor
The last biblical value showcased in other cultures is hospitality. Each workday in the US, I drive into my suburban garage and close the door. My neighbors do the same. I’m embarrassed to admit that I only know a handful of my neighbors.
However, biblical hospitality fosters a generous spirit that invites people to be loved and known. Many Middle Eastern cultures emphasize extreme hospitality. This involves welcoming strangers, feeding them, and treating them like royalty.
The New Testament is full of admonitions to house, feed, and care for strangers. Romans 12:13 instructs Christians to be eager to practice hospitality and to be ready to help those in need. The world should immediately recognize us as believers by our counter-cultural hospitality. Consider people you know who feel left out or don’t have family nearby. Offer to share a meal or a beverage with them so they can feel the warmth of God’s heart.
This week, I invite you to look beyond your cultural norms and learn from another culture. Ask the Lord to show you how to demonstrate respect, create margin, and practice hospitality. In this way, the world will get a glimpse of true life as a citizen of heaven.
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