The Polynesian culture is a proud culture. In a good way.  Spend a night at a luau in Maui and you will discover that for yourself.  On our first full day in Maui, our family enjoyed time in the ocean and the pool, but we showered in time to relax and take in an authentic Hawaiian luau for the evening. 

We arrived decked out in our Hawaiian shirts, each receiving a decorative Hawaiian lay.  A pleasant offshore breeze blew while a blanket of clouds cooled the hot afternoon sun.  All 16 of us, including my family, my parents, and my two brothers and their families, sat down to enjoy the experience. 

The festivities began with an invitation to get a temporary tattoo while the food began to come out in five different courses.  Everyone felt welcome.  The hostess/emcee kept reminding us how we were all “ohana” which is the Hawaiian word for family.  Smiles.  Laughter.  Pure enjoyment.  The soft bread, cucumber salad, and fresh pineapple were delectable, and our waitress made sure we had plenty.

Soon after the show began.  Four fierce Polynesian men and four beautiful Polynesian women took turns taking center stage to act out their impressive culture.  The hostess, draped in a beautiful Hawaiian dress, began talking about their heritage.  Everything from ceremonial tattoos to the correct way to husk a coconut.  Meanwhile our waitress continued bringing out the smorgasbord of authentic Hawaiian food.  The fresh mahi mahi and roasted pork were my favorite.

The evening culminated with lively dancing and music from the Polynesian performers.  We marveled at the passion the dancers had.  The women … elegant and graceful.  The men … powerful and intense.  Through it all, you could tell each performer was truly enjoying the experience.  Smiles glowed from their faces the entire time, and they welcomed our applause, cheering them on.

The final performance was what everyone had anticipated.  Two Polynesian warriors took the stage with flamed rods, twirling and tossing them back and forth.  Picture the best baton twirler you’ve ever witnessed and pretend they were playing with fire.  Only these guys were twirling the flames so fast they made a ring of fire, and Johnny Cash had nothing on them.  We left with our bellies full and a much deeper appreciation of the Polynesian culture. 

In reflection, Christ followers could learn a lesson or two from these Hawaiians.  They were joyful.  Confident.  Bold.  They welcomed us in as part of their ohana family, shared a meal, and took us step by step through the history of their proud heritage.  Christians are called to be the same type of people to the world around them: full of joy, content, and strong in their faith. 

Recently, I have been watching The Chosen Season 2.  It chronicles the life of Jesus and brings to life His powerful ministry.  One of my favorite scenes comes from Episode 3.  It begins with Jesus healing a long line of people that lead into his tent, but most of the scenes come around the evening campfire.  Here we see all the disciples opening up to one another.  They all come from different backgrounds, yet they are united in Christ.

As the night wanes on, they fellowship and they explain the impact Jesus has had on their lives.  Everyone from His humble mother, Mary, to the passionate Peter, and even the former tax collector, Matthew.  So many backgrounds.  So many personalities.  There is a point where Peter questions Matthew’s former life, stealing money from families through his frowned upon work, but their conflict is silenced when Jesus returns.

He has been healing people from dawn till dusk, and He stumbles back, exhausted and weary from His full day.  He glances at the disciples and lays down in His tent, allowing His feet to be washed.  This immediately silences the argument as the disciples now admire the beauty of that moment.  They all feel the same way.  Exhausted from their extensive travels yet fulfilled from their unity in Christ.

The Hawaiians made us feel so welcome at that luau.  They shared a meal with us and proudly explained their culture, much like the early disciples did with Jesus.  The performers probably felt a lot like Jesus did after giving His full heart to healing all day.  They were drenched in perspiration, depleted and weary, yet wholeheartedly fulfilled in their souls. 

There were so many types of people present at the luau, yet we were all the same.  Curious about the new Polynesian culture being presented to us.  It was a beautiful reminder how we as Christians should be welcoming toward others, treating them as family.  Christians come from all walks of life, but we all work for the body of Christ, and we are all united by His blood.