Hello brothers and sisters;
This morning I listened to an interesting presentation how travelers visiting other countries are not as well received unlike the past. I won't mention the country but an attitude of entitlement, arrogance, forcing the host to speak the visitor's language (for example, ordering food or transportation,) and being loud in public. Sad but I've experience all this when we've traveled.
When I was a boy and a young, single adult, my Dad and late Grandfather advised me when traveling to another country to "let go of my home country (America)" and adapt to the respective countries' customs. It wasn't easy but staying focused while traveling made it possible.
In 1 Chronicles 29:15, Scripture reminds us all, 15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before you, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope. - NKJV
As a married adult we learned it's also important to give hospitality to visitors from around the world. Living in San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area attracted many visitors year round. In the Old Testaments the Israelites were commanded by God to receive foreigners with a welcome spirit and kindness.
Exodus 22:21, 21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. - NIV
Leviticus 19:33-34, 33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. - NIV
These are excellent teachings to study and apply. But the respectful years by our elders passed on to us also play a huge part based on their life experience.
Any thoughts of your travel experiences, and how would you describe being a salt and light to visitors and hosts?
God bless you all.
Bob
This morning I listened to an interesting presentation how travelers visiting other countries are not as well received unlike the past. I won't mention the country but an attitude of entitlement, arrogance, forcing the host to speak the visitor's language (for example, ordering food or transportation,) and being loud in public. Sad but I've experience all this when we've traveled.
When I was a boy and a young, single adult, my Dad and late Grandfather advised me when traveling to another country to "let go of my home country (America)" and adapt to the respective countries' customs. It wasn't easy but staying focused while traveling made it possible.
In 1 Chronicles 29:15, Scripture reminds us all, 15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before you, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope. - NKJV
As a married adult we learned it's also important to give hospitality to visitors from around the world. Living in San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area attracted many visitors year round. In the Old Testaments the Israelites were commanded by God to receive foreigners with a welcome spirit and kindness.
Exodus 22:21, 21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. - NIV
Leviticus 19:33-34, 33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. - NIV
These are excellent teachings to study and apply. But the respectful years by our elders passed on to us also play a huge part based on their life experience.
Any thoughts of your travel experiences, and how would you describe being a salt and light to visitors and hosts?
God bless you all.
Bob
