Our differences give us strength
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- From the very beginning of time, humans have wrestled with the fact that we are all created with differences.
In fact, there are entire groups of people who differ from other groups. We humans tend to flock toward those most like us in appearance and preferences. Sometimes we do this in a way that places us in a sort of “protective bubble.” That bubble can become so strong it can actually cause us to either forget or ignore the fact that other well-meaning and even good people share different cultures, habits and beliefs about all sorts of things than we do.
When we live in that bubble long enough, we can grow to believe that our group is superior and has nothing to learn from those in other groups. We can grow to believe there is only one way to “be” and that one type of people is superior to other kinds. We often call this kind of belief “bias” or (at its worst) racism.
The truth is that those who are unlike us are not so different in ways that really count. Furthermore, history has taught us that when diverse groups come together and bring their experiences, skills and creativity to the table, entire nations can benefit.
The Bible recognizes the struggle that people have with accepting and embracing those who are different. Jesus’s teachings in the Gospels see the beauty in diversity, comparing God’s new kingdom to a net with all kinds of fish and a tree with all kinds of birds.
More specifically, Jesus reminds his followers that there is a place for all ethnic groups and gifts in the dynamic tapestry that comprises God’s vision for the world (see Matthew 28, for instance). The Apostle Paul often reminds the early church that it takes all kinds of gifts and backgrounds to fulfill God’s vision for humanity’s future (see 1 Corinthians 12).
The bottom line is this: Trying to live as if only one group or one approach is more valuable does a disservice to God’s own stated plans. It also can deprive all of us of untapped creativity, resources and gifts that are found in other individuals and groups.
Intentionally seeking out the history and culture of those different from us is a good way to start valuing the gift of diversity God has given us. Opposing the exclusion of other groups and gifts is another way we can move the purposes of God forward in the world, for the betterment of us all.
