Today marks my third day in beautiful Indonesia. I've spent most of my time at home, allowing jet lag to run it's course, unpacking my life from three suitcases, and battling the ants that congregate when a single crumb is left on the counter. I'm afraid those ants are the least of my worries when it comes to insects. It's been a little weird being alone in an apartment with no children slapping me to get up, I almost miss the wakeup call :) I did have time to meet a few of the volunteers and staff of the church as we shared dinner together the first night. While talking with them, they shared with me that Indonesian culture is about being together with one another. When it comes to the success of one versus the success of a whole group, the latter takes precedence. This reminds me of an apartment rule a friend of mine made, "if one member of the household succeeds so it is, the whole house is successful". I've experienced this with Indonesian friends before; they have served me and others before ever considering their own needs. I've seen some give up their whole day even, to make sure that everyone's needs were met.
Isn't that interesting? The American culture is to strive to the top as you push down others who may be getting in your way. It's about personal success and achievement, and letting everyone around you know it. When I first heard all of this, I felt my body tense up. Is that how I have been living? Have I made my "journey" all about myself? Can I have a conversation with someone else without bringing my own interests or experiences up? Although these are tough questions, they make me hopeful for new growth. I want to be someone who without question will serve others first. I want to be someone who works with the the people around me and looks for ways to build up the group without constantly looking for areas where I can gain something for myself. In my case here in Indonesia, it will be the Church; what is the vision that God has for the people and surrounding communities of Jakarta and how can we as a church work to see that come into play? After all isn't that how we were created to operate; in community?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself. Philippians 2:3
