Missionaries usually hold ownership of key resources, and in Western thinking that implies the singular right to control how those resources are used. If, in fact, God does own all things, then they fall not only under my stewardship, but also under the stewardship of my brothers and sisters. The disposition of God's resources should be seen not as an individual responsibility, but as a communal trust. I realize that this perspective makes us Westerners quite uncomfortable, but we must guide ourselves by Scripture rather than Western individualism or pragmatics. But it is within the nature of all of us, when we have power, to believe that our ways are right.
Accusations fly, demands multiply, confusion reigns.
In such a way, they would not only achieve understanding but also allow others to work out their own conclusions, which would undoubtedly be more culturally appropriate. This belief, when expressed in relationships, chokes mutual freedom and smothers trust. In Conclusion Let us be humble in acknowledging that Westerners do not have exclusive insight on all that is right and wrong. God is not restricted to Western ways, and he has not exhausted his wisdom and grace on North America and Western Europe. The God who authored diversity loves it, embraces those who display it, and honors those who celebrate it.