An ABC of Faith

Diversity

Today we look at the context of Diversity within the Kingdom of God.

In our world the old rules we used to take for granted have been shaken. Cherished convictions are challenged. Diversity has led to division: political, racial, gender, cultural and economic division. There has always been some of this, but now it seems to be more prevalent.

But God has something to say about all of this. The church is what God has to say. The Church is called to be a Christ-centered community of diversity. Its very life proclaims the power of God to overcome the divisions that set people against each other. In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul announced, “In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). The church is to live as a people touched by Gods grace and no longer defined by the divisions that plague the world.

Analysts and commentators always divide people into different categories and groups. It is easy - and sometimes attractive - to think of oneself as part of a particular sector. Paul reminds is that such divisions may limit our view of God's action. We should consider what it is like to let go of distinctions, remembering what it means to be 'one in Christ.'

Sometimes we can become our own disciplinarian, living by rules and limits that we have set down. Let us pray that we may receive and live in the freedom that Jesus wishes for us.

Maya Angelou said, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.” and “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty, and there is strength.”

Practically speaking, this is challenging; easy to write, hard to live out. 

Almighty God, through your Holy Spirit you created unity in the midst of diversity; We acknowledge that human diversity is an expression of your manifold love for your creation; We confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, oppression, and wounding.  Empower us to recognise and celebrate differences as your great gift to the human family.  Enable us to be the architects of understanding, of respect and love;  Through the Lord, the ground of all unity, we pray. Amen