Relating the Mission of God to Developing Intercultural Qualities

Introduction

God’s mission calls His people to engage with the world in ways that reflect His love, grace, and redemptive purposes. As believers step into intercultural contexts, they encounter a wide array of challenges and opportunities that shape their personal growth. Qualities such as emotional strength, a clear sense of direction, adaptability, resilience, acceptance, and self-awareness are essential for bridging cultural divides and living out the gospel effectively. However, developing these qualities requires intentional reliance on biblical principles, combined with an understanding of intercultural communication skills and principles of social psychology.

The Bible offers profound insights into navigating cultural complexities, showing how reliance on God’s wisdom and a Christ-centered identity equips believers to face these challenges. By reflecting on God’s mission as outlined in Scripture, Christians can grow in character and effectiveness in their relationships across cultures. The following five approaches explore how biblical truths provide a foundation for personal transformation and meaningful engagement in a diverse world.

1. Foundation in God’s Purpose: Emotional Strength and Direction

Emotional strength is the capacity to remain composed, secure, and resilient in the face of emotional or cultural stress. It reflects the inner peace that comes from trusting God’s character and promises, allowing believers to avoid being easily shaken by external challenges. Similarly, having a sense of direction means living with clarity and purpose, guided by God’s will rather than cultural norms or personal ambitions. Together, these qualities form the backbone of a life rooted in God’s purpose, enabling Christians to engage with diverse cultures from a place of confidence and calm assurance.

Biblical Illustration
Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:16–40) demonstrates emotional strength and a sense of divine direction. Elijah stood alone as a prophet of the Lord in a culture dominated by idolatry, facing not only the false prophets but also the doubts of the people of Israel. Despite the overwhelming opposition, Elijah remained confident in God’s power. He boldly challenged the prophets of Baal to call upon their gods while he called upon the Lord. When fire from heaven consumed Elijah’s offering, it confirmed God’s sovereignty and vindicated Elijah’s faith. Elijah’s emotional strength stemmed from his unwavering trust in God’s mission to turn Israel’s hearts back to Him. His example encourages believers to maintain courage and direction in challenging cultural circumstances, knowing that God is in control.

Applications to Everyday Life

1. Trust in God’s Leading During Difficult Transitions
   When faced with personal or cultural challenges, such as moving to a multi-ethnic community or working in a multicultural environment, take a step back and remind yourself of God’s sovereignty. Just as Elijah was guided by God’s clear direction in confronting the prophets of Baal, trust that God is leading you through your circumstances. Pray for clarity and strength to stand firm in your beliefs and responsibilities, even when faced with opposition. This might include relying on God’s word for encouragement during a time of cultural adjustment or when navigating workplace diversity.
2. Cultivate Emotional Stability through Prayer and Reflection
   In times of emotional instability—whether due to cultural misunderstandings, personal stress, or relational challenges—make space for daily reflection and prayer. Use these times to re-center yourself in God’s promises, just as Elijah relied on God’s guidance to remain emotionally stable in his confrontation with idolatry. Engaging in personal prayer and seeking counsel from trusted spiritual mentors can help maintain emotional strength and a sense of direction during difficult cultural or personal transitions.

2. The Art of Flexibility: Adaptability in God’s Service

Adaptability is the willingness and ability to adjust one’s approach, expectations, and behaviors to align with new and diverse cultural contexts. It reflects a heart of humility and respect, allowing believers to navigate cultural differences with sensitivity and grace. This quality is essential for effective ministry and relationships in cross-cultural settings, as it demonstrates a willingness to serve others by meeting them where they are. True adaptability requires holding fast to biblical truths while remaining open to learning from and engaging with diverse cultural practices.

Biblical Illustration
The story of the Apostle Paul in Acts 16:6–10, where he is called to Macedonia, illustrates adaptability in fulfilling God’s mission. While on his missionary journey, Paul sought to travel to various regions, but the Holy Spirit repeatedly prevented him from going to certain places. Instead of becoming frustrated or insisting on his own plans, Paul adapted and responded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In a vision, Paul saw a man from Macedonia asking for help. This vision led Paul and his companions to cross into Macedonia, where they began to preach the gospel, eventually founding the church in Philippi. Paul’s willingness to change course based on God’s direction is an example of adaptability and trust in divine guidance. In intercultural contexts, being sensitive to God’s leading and flexible in approach can help believers fulfill God’s mission even when things do not unfold as expected.

Applications to Everyday Life

1. Adapt to New Cultural Norms with Humility and Respect
   When working or living in an environment with different cultural practices, it’s essential to be flexible and open to learning. Like Paul in Acts 16:6-10, who changed his course based on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adopt an attitude of humility and curiosity when faced with cultural differences. This can involve learning new ways of communication, showing respect for traditions different from your own, and being patient when navigating cross-cultural situations. By doing so, you show that God’s love transcends cultural barriers and that His message is for all people, regardless of background.
2. Be Open to New Opportunities That Align with God’s Mission
   Just as Paul adapted to the Macedonian vision, you can be open to new cultural experiences that allow you to serve others. For example, if you find yourself in a culturally diverse setting, look for ways to build relationships and share the gospel through acts of kindness and service. It might involve volunteering in a multicultural community center, joining a language class, or participating in cultural exchange programs. Being flexible and open to God’s guidance allows you to seize opportunities for cross-cultural ministry that align with His mission.

3. Endurance through Faith: Resilience Amid Challenges

Resilience is the ability to persevere through difficulties and setbacks without losing hope or purpose. In intercultural contexts, resilience is vital for overcoming misunderstandings, cultural fatigue, and resistance to change. It reflects a deep trust in God’s faithfulness and a commitment to His mission, even when the path is fraught with obstacles. Believers develop resilience by anchoring their identity in Christ and relying on God’s strength to endure challenges.

Biblical Illustration
Job’s response to immense suffering (Job 1–42) is a profound example of resilience rooted in faith. Job faced the loss of his wealth, health, and family, enduring immense grief and questioning from his friends. Despite his deep anguish, Job maintained his integrity and refused to curse God, declaring, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). While Job wrestled with understanding his trials, he ultimately encountered God’s greatness, which deepened his trust in God’s sovereign purposes. His resilience reminds believers that faith in God can sustain them through cultural or personal adversities, allowing them to persevere even when answers are unclear.

Applications to Everyday Life

1. Remain Steadfast in Faith During Personal and Cultural Struggles
   Like Job, who endured great suffering with unwavering faith, resilience in everyday life often requires trusting God in the midst of trials. When facing cultural misunderstandings, professional setbacks, or personal hardships, remind yourself of God’s faithfulness. For example, when navigating workplace conflict in a multicultural environment, remain steadfast in your values and trust that God will provide the strength to persevere. Resilience is cultivated by maintaining your trust in God even when challenges seem insurmountable, knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail.
2. Seek God’s Strength to Overcome Obstacles in Relationships
   In intercultural relationships, differences in communication styles, values, or expectations can sometimes lead to frustration or misunderstanding. When confronted with these challenges, rely on the strength of God to remain resilient. Pray for wisdom and patience, just as Job endured his trials without turning away from God. Instead of reacting in frustration, take time to listen, reflect, and adapt your approach. Resilience involves pressing forward with hope, trusting that God will work through your efforts to build bridges and deepen relationships.

4. Embracing Weakness: Acceptance and Humility

Acceptance is the ability to acknowledge and embrace one’s own limitations, blind spots, and weaknesses. In intercultural relationships, this involves recognizing that no single perspective—including one’s own—is sufficient to fully understand the richness of God’s creation. Humility flows from this acceptance, allowing believers to learn from others, admit mistakes, and grow in self-awareness. These qualities are essential for fostering trust and mutual respect in cross-cultural interactions.

Biblical Illustration
The story of Moses’ call at the burning bush (Exodus 3–4) highlights the importance of accepting one’s limitations while trusting in God’s power. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses initially resisted, citing his lack of eloquence and self-confidence: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10). Despite his feelings of inadequacy, Moses obeyed God’s call, relying on divine guidance and assistance. God’s provision of Aaron as a spokesperson demonstrated that God works through human weaknesses to accomplish His purposes. Moses’ journey teaches believers to humbly accept their limitations, trusting God to provide what they need to navigate cultural or personal challenges.

Applications to Everyday Life

1. Acknowledge and Address Cultural Blind Spots
   Just as Moses acknowledged his inadequacy before God, it’s important to recognize personal weaknesses and cultural blind spots in everyday life. For example, when working with individuals from different backgrounds, there may be gaps in understanding or communication due to differences in cultural norms. Acknowledge these weaknesses with humility and seek opportunities for growth. This may involve attending cultural sensitivity workshops, seeking feedback from others, or simply being open to learning from those with different perspectives. God works through our weaknesses, and embracing humility allows us to grow in grace.
2. Rely on God’s Strength When Overcoming Personal Limitations
   When facing limitations—whether they are emotional, relational, or cultural—learn to rely on God’s strength, just as Moses did when he felt inadequate to speak. For instance, if you struggle to adapt to a new cultural environment or language, recognize that God equips you for the task. Lean into prayer, community support, and God’s strength to overcome the feelings of inadequacy. Embrace the truth that He is using your weaknesses to build strength and character for His kingdom.

5. Self-Awareness in God’s Image: Rooting Identity in Christ

Self-awareness is the capacity to understand one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in relation to others and to God. In intercultural contexts, it involves recognizing how one’s background, preferences, and assumptions shape interactions with others. Rooting self-awareness in the biblical truth that every individual is made in God’s image fosters empathy and respect for cultural diversity. This perspective encourages believers to celebrate the unique ways God’s creativity is expressed through different cultures while remaining grounded in their identity as children of God.

Biblical Illustration
David’s reflection in Psalm 139 is a profound expression of self-awareness rooted in God’s creative design. He marvels at God’s intimate knowledge of him, declaring, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me” (Psalm 139:1). David celebrates the truth that God knit him together in his mother’s womb, proclaiming, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). This deep awareness of God’s involvement in his life gave David confidence and humility, as he recognized both his worth and his dependence on the Creator. David’s prayer at the end of the psalm, “Search me, God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24), reflects his openness to correction and growth. This balance of confidence in God’s design and willingness to change provides a model for believers navigating self-awareness in diverse cultural contexts.

Applications to Everyday Life

1. Cultivate Self-Reflection in Cultural Contexts
   Like David in Psalm 139, take time to reflect on who you are in Christ. In cross-cultural settings, it’s easy to get lost in the complexity of differences and feel uncertain about your identity. Cultivate self-awareness by regularly reflecting on God’s design for you. This could involve journaling or meditating on Scriptures like Psalm 139 to remind yourself of your worth in God’s eyes. Embrace your identity in Christ as the foundation for how you interact with others. This self-awareness helps you approach cultural differences with confidence, humility, and a strong sense of purpose.
2. Seek Continuous Growth Through Feedback and Learning
   Just as David asked God to search his heart and guide him, remain open to feedback from others in intercultural interactions. This could mean seeking constructive criticism from colleagues or friends from different cultural backgrounds to understand better how you can improve communication or behavior. Embrace a growth mindset, where each cultural encounter becomes an opportunity to deepen your understanding of both yourself and others. Engage in regular self-assessment and be willing to make adjustments as you learn and grow in your intercultural relationships.

Conclusion

Relating a biblical view of God’s mission to the development of emotional strength, adaptability, resilience, acceptance, and self-awareness is not merely about personal improvement—it is a response to the call to embody God’s love in a broken and diverse world. Each of these qualities reflects aspects of Christ’s character, enabling believers to navigate cultural differences with humility, compassion, and purpose. By integrating biblical wisdom into daily life, Christians are empowered to reflect God’s redemptive work in their own lives and in their relationships with others.

As believers live out these qualities, they become instruments of God’s mission, breaking down barriers, fostering reconciliation, and pointing others to the hope found in Christ. In an increasingly interconnected yet divided world, this approach equips Christians to fulfill the Great Commission with authenticity and grace, demonstrating that the gospel transcends all cultural boundaries. Through intentional growth in these areas, believers can shine as lights in the world, glorifying God and advancing His kingdom across cultures.

Curt Watke, PhD

Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice.  Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.