When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language – Psalm 114:1
The tribe of Israel spent 400 years in Egypt. Yet, it seems that the people did not learn the language of the Egyptians as the bible says that it was a strange language to them. This reveals to us that Israel did not mix with the Egyptians and imbibe their culture. Is cultural separateness part of the reason the Egyptians felt threatened, especially as the tribe of Israel got larger and larger? Is this why they decided to enslave the people? We cannot say for sure, but we cannot discount this. What can be said is this: Immersing ourselves in the local culture, by learning the local language and understanding the literature, is a way to better integrate into that society and make friends. This does not mean we imbibe aspects of the culture that war against our beliefs. It just means that we take what is good and acceptable from the local culture, making ourselves less conspicuous and broadening our network. Who knows, doing this might even open the door to ministry so that more people are won to the kingdom of God.
I choose to learn about the people in the country I am living so I understand them better and so they do not view me as a threat
SuperChamp 