Does God Value Diversity?
The word “diversity” is defined as, (1) “the condition of having or being
composed of differing elements; the inclusion of people of different races,
cultures, etc. in a group or organization” (Merriam-Webster). As human beings,
while we are all made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27) we are all unique and
different. God, Who made us, knows this and values our diversity. Our goal in this
study to examine a passage from Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth
noticing the value God puts on diversity in the body of Christ (Gal. 3:26-29).
“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of
that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we
were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free
—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one
member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of
the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I
am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole
body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where
would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in
the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the
body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye
cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I
have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem
to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be
less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts
have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God
composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that
there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the
same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer
with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are
the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the
church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then
gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles?
Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts
of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the
best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:12-30).
It is very important to note the context of this passage. Paul is addressing
the topic of spiritual gifts which were prevalent in the first century, especially in
Corinth. The brethren there had several spiritual gifts, nine to be exact (1 Cor.
12:8-10). While there were “diversities of gifts,” there was also “unity” in the
Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4). There were “diversities of ministries (services),” but the
“same Lord” (1 Cor. 12:5). There were “diversities of activities,” but the same God
who works all in all (1 Cor. 12:6).
As we strive to make the application, we learn that within the body of Christ
today, while we do not possess the spiritual gifts they had in the first century(1 Cor. 13:10), we do have “gifts” or talents God desires for us to use to His glory.
The church, the called out of God, is made of many members, but constitutes one
body (1 Cor. 12:20; cf. Eph. 4:4; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9-10).
Considering the phrases “diversities of gifts,” “diversities of ministries,”
and “diversities of activities,” in the Lord’s church today, we see the value and
importance of diversity. Even on this network (The Scattered Abroad Network), we
have a great deal of diversity with men from different educational backgrounds,
different ages, different skin colors, men who are married, men who are single,
and the list goes on and on. One of the reasons we are strong together is that in
spite of our differences and diversities, we are united in Christ and united in our
purpose to glorify God! As the apostles of our Lord had different attitudes,
talents, backgrounds, etc., Christians today bring diversity to the table. Some
may have the “gift” of encouraging others and are great with personal visitation
while others have the “gift” of opening up the Bible and helping others navigate
through trying times. When it comes to “ministries,” some may have the ability to
preach the Gospel with great skill while others engage in a card ministry reaching
out to those in need. In the realm of “activities,” some may be great organizers
planning the work while others may be very skilled in decorating, designing, and
working the plan!
God values diversity because of the uniqueness of His people. The beauty
of the Gospel is that all people have the opportunity to be united regardless of
backgrounds. Peter told Cornelius, “In truth I perceive that God shows no
partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is
accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35). We learn that God shows no partiality and
accepts those who accept Him by meeting the conditions set forth in His Word.
God values diversity and He values what you bring to the Kingdom!
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity
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