“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, NRSV)
The Bible frequently uses the phrase “sojourner in a foreign land,” or some variation thereof, to characterize the status of God’s children on Earth (Exodus 2:22, 1 Peter 2:11-12, Hebrews 11:13, eg). It’s often used to justify why both Jews and Christians are to live according to a higher standard than their surrounding culture. Though spiritual in nature, considering what it means to be a guest in a foreign land has practical implications for all of us, regardless of faith tradition, as: community members, global citizens, and Soldiers. As I prepare to serve a church in El Salvador, as the news highlights violence accompanying the movement of embassies to Jerusalem, and as we consider the mission of Civil Affairs, how to respectfully enter a foreign land weighs heavy on my mind and heart. Scripture offers guidance for any of us who find ourselves in unfamiliar places. In Philippians, Paul encourages the early Christians to imitate Christ’s humility in their actions towards one another. He reasons that it was because of Jesus’s humility as a man that God exalted the Son (Philippians 2:9). If God expected humility even from Christ, who himself was fully Divine, then who are we to not “be of the same mind, having the same love, [be] in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2)? Thus, to be a responsible and gracious stranger means assuming a posture of cultural humility. We as Soldiers in the United States Army have been granted the incredible privilege of being sojourners in foreign lands. As CA Soldiers, this is a palpable privilege given our missions offering: foreign humanitarian aid, support to local populaces and civil administrations, and assistance to nations. Yet, with this privilege comes great responsibility – a responsibility to educate ourselves on culture, needs, and interests. A responsibility to humble ourselves to be attune to the human environment into which we enter. Regardless of the “strange land” in which we find ourselves – whether a different country or a neighbor’s house – these same principles apply. May we all work to regard others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). |