In the Persian culture there is a form of etiquette called “Tarof.” It is a way of showing respect by humbling oneself before others. Tarof was one of the first things I learned how to “do” in Iran. When it comes time for two people to enter through a door in the States, one person opens the door for the other and says, “you first.” Not so easy in Iran. It would be extremely rude to just accept the offer and go first. When someone offers for you to go first, you might respond by saying, no you go first. Here! “Let me lay down my shirt right now so you can walk on it as you enter.” The other person may say, “Why would you go through so much trouble for someone like me.” It can go on and on until someone gives up and goes first.
Never sit with your back to someone, but in a car, it cannot be avoided. So, what do you say to the person behind you? “Sorry my back is to you.” It never ends there. The person behind you might say, “A flower has no front or back.” The person in the front then might respond by saying, “Behind the flower is a garden of flowers.”
In Iran, Tarof, is a form of etiquette, no more no less. However, it does remind me of my need to humble myself before the Lord. Too often I am tempted to “go first” and not give Jesus the Glory due Him!
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV
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