Everyone is different and that is great. It’s actually how God created us. Yes, we are all made in His image. But even with His thumbprint on each of us, it’s true — we are all very different. We have different personalities, likes, dislikes, different backgrounds, different skill sets, different ethnicities, different opinions, etc. It is our differences that help us to fit so perfectly together. A diversity is required. Sadly though, it seems as if the world wants us to #1) all be the same and #2) be divided by our differences.
Here’s the issue. We are made to be different. Each of us is a single part of the entire body. We each are different parts with different functions. Where I may lack in one area, you excel. Together, we all perfectly fit together. We are not meant to be boiler plate, cookie cutouts of the same. Here’s where many ministries fail. People try to duplicate themselves. Churches try to duplicate each other. This causes issues because we are all different. Our differences can and should be used to glorify God.
The other issue is regarding the second part — being divided by the differences. The truth is we are more similar than we think. As well, the differences we do have should not cause division. In actuality, the differences help us each work so much better together. Imagine if we were all good at writing but we lacked when it came to building. We would have a whole lot of books and no buildings. We can work together in harmony and in unity because we are all moving and working together for a common goal (glorifying God) using His creations (us) to the fullest potential (living out God’s plan for our lives).
Let us remember that diversity is required. Let us celebrate our differences and, at the same time, remember our unified goal. Let us honor each other and our differences. Let us encourage each other to be our best self for God’s glory.
“For by one Spirit we all were immersed and mingled into one single body. And no matter our status—whether we are Jews or non-Jews, oppressed or free—we are all privileged to drink deeply of the same Holy Spirit…. A diversity is required, for if the body consisted of one single part, there wouldn’t be a body at all! So now we see that there are many differing parts and functions, but one body.” – 1 Corinthians 12:13, 19-20 [TPT]
Heavenly Father, I thank You for making us all different. Lord, help us to appreciate our differences. Lord, help us to work together in great harmony. When the world tries to divide us, keep us on a unified path through Your Spirit. Help us to be encouraging to our brothers and sisters — to motivate them to keep pressing forward in their race. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 