UNITY IN DIVERSITY
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
The Bible has three general types of diversity: racial diversity, generation diversity (different ages), and socioeconomic diversity (income and education). I deeply believe that Christianity is the only force in the entire world that can unite so many different people. Often, we can unintentionally try and get people to conform to our views and preferences. A perfect example of this is music. Think about it: we don’t have preaching wars; we have worship wars because we tend to think our style of music is the right music to play. The problem is that diversity causes people to have differences in preferences and opinions, which is what makes the church unique and so vibrant. Love and unity don’t try to get everyone to look and speak exactly like we do. There are things we must be united on (who Jesus is, the Word of God, and salvation comes from Jesus). However, there are other things we can have differing opinions on, and this should be celebrated.
It seems more than ever before that our culture has fractured in diversity, where we get all the people who think one way together and like the same things in our circle. This isn’t unity; it's conformity. Hear me out: I'm not saying it's bad to have people with similar preferences, backgrounds and ages, but we must fight to stay unified as a WHOLE CHURCH. The verse above shows that we are all different, even in our giftings and wirings. This is the beauty of the church. Some are wired to greet and welcome others in such a way that gives them a little touch of heaven; others have an intercessory gift where God uniquely puts things on their heart to pray for. Others have the gift of service and volunteer in different capacities; some have the gift of administration and help organize different events and details for their small group. We shouldn’t try to get people to operate exactly like we do in our gifts; we are all wired differently and have different skills and passions.
There are styles and ways we don’t always prefer things done in church, but what unites us has to be stronger than what divides us. We must learn to appreciate and thank Jesus for the different ages, races, preferences, backgrounds and thoughts. The church becomes a powerful force when people show up and say this isn’t about me. It's about Jesus first, then others. The church shrinks and loses its power when we elevate our wants and needs above everyone else. There is unity in diversity.
APPLICATION:
Thank God for the diversity you see today.
PRAYER:
Ask the Spirit to reveal if there is anywhere you have put your wants above others. Ask the Spirit to help you see people before yourself.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?