“That's What The World Is Today”

In recent occasions, I have been speaking and thinking about the word diversity. Diversity is, basically, variety. To me it has taken on the specific connotation of “variety of people within a group”—the differences among the people being racial, cultural, gender-based, etc. Diversity was God’s idea. Even a cursory study of science reveals an amazing variety of plant and animal life. People, God’s final creation, are diverse, too. He did not create us as clones or robots. He created two different genders Mark 10:6. The creation of male and female is diversity at its most basic—the sexes are very different, yet complementary.

Diversity is part of being human. God delights in the plethora of differences His human creatures possess. The book of Revelation describes the final gathering of God’s people from “every nation, tribe, and tongue” Revelation 7:9. The angels and elders around God’s throne adore Jesus with the words “with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation”) Revelation 5:9. So God enjoys the diversity within the human race. We are each created in His image for His pleasure and glory Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16. He designed us the way we are and delights in His handiwork Psalm 139:13-16.

I remember as a youth listening to the song “Ball of Confusion” by the Temptations. I must say my ears were less experienced and not with a Godly ear. The song attacked a multitude of problems that were tearing apart the United States in 1970 the Vietnam War, Nixon’s government, drug addiction, white flight, crooked politicians and segregation, making it one of the few protest records that came from Motown. Despite its strong political themes, the record consciously avoids a pro liberal or pro-conservative theme, instead implying a subjective point-of view and defiant stance. Take a look at some of the lyrics:

People movin' out, people movin' in.
Why, because of the color of their skin.
Run, run, run, but you sho' can't hide
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Vote for me and I'll set you free
Rap on, brother, rap on.
Well, the only person talkin' 'bout love thy brother is the preacher
And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the teacher
Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, aggravation,
humiliation, obligation to our nation
Ball Of Confusion that's what the world is today (yeah, yeah)
The sale of pills is at an all time high
young folks walkin' 'round with their heads in the sky
Cities aflame in the summer time, and oh the beat goes on
Eve of destruction, tax deduction,
City inspectors, bill collectors,
Evolution, revolution,…

Almost all the lines in this song talks about today but with added voices on ‘MeTo’, ‘Diversity’, ‘Dreamers’, and LGBT etc. America is a pretty confusing place right now for me as a Christian. The worst part about it is that the real issues seem to be taking a back seat to all the emotional things that distract everybody. Especially when you hear and echo, “The Russians are coming”!

We are having racial debates, "Police abuse/Police being shot" problems with border security, and discussions about religious freedom. We have thousands of troops in foreign countries. There are talk show hosts/media telling Americans that they are losing their freedom more and more every day although I haven’t seen anyone doing anything differently than they were before. They shout mean and disrespectful things about the former and present presidents at the top of their lungs. I find myself watching the news with a puzzled look on my face. I keep trying to figure out why there is so much bias both liberal and conservative, sides with no ears only thoughts of who is ‘RIGHT’. The Band plays ON not as one! But as being Self-Centered.

So, what does it mean to be “one”? When we are born again John 3:3, we are created anew in Christ Jesus. Our fleshly differences become secondary to our new nature in Christ. We are unified around the centrality of God’s Word. We have “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” Ephesians 4:5 Regardless of racial, cultural, or gender differences, God’s children hold to His Word as their final authority on all matters, including cultural and social issues. Some try to use “diversity” as an excuse to justify immorality or what's sinfully popular today (1 Corinthians 6:9). While we all have different sin strongholds, we cannot allow unrepentant sin to continue under the guise of diversity. The diversity God created is good; sin can indeed be diverse, but God has nothing to do with it.

Human differences such as race, temperament, and culture are to be celebrated, tolerated, and incorporated in our goal of being “one” in Christ John 17:20-23. Not with pride by it’s self. Pride is a sin. John taught that the pride of life “is not from the Father but is from the world” 1 John 2:16 in pride we become the objects of our own love; in humility we learn to love others. A person with godly love is not concerned with benefiting himself. The only thing love sees is the need.

However, when diversity is made into an idol, we become self-centered and divisive. When every difference is treated as sacred, selfishness rules and oneness is sacrificed in favor of individual preference. When we exalt our preferences over unity, we become demanding and proud, rather than selfless and forgiving Ephesians 4:32;Philippians 2:4.John 17:23 encapsulates the desire of Jesus for all His children. In this last, long, recorded prayer before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” While we can and should appreciate the value of the various nuances of being human, our goal must always be to become more like Jesus. Romans 8:29

God Bless You and This Ministry!