Diversity

For in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 RSV

Life would be boring without diversity. The Lord, who wants everything good for us, creates diversity in a beautiful and unexplainable way. Yet, He created us in His image. Although there is diversity in life, there is also commonality, for God has no partiality (cf. Acts 10:34).

He loves us all the same.

Human beings have different skin colors, yet we all eat, sleep, laugh, cry and dance. Sometimes, however, we are too broken to recognize the beauty in each other. Some discriminate, thinking God made one inferior to the other. We may not speak the same language, but our body language can communicate a message of joy or discontentment to one another. While I was in Austria, attending a musical show, many nationalities were in the theater, yet we were all clapping in unison at the sound of the music. I did not understand the song’s lyrics, but the music was delightful. We should learn to appreciate each other, for we are all God’s precious creation.

One country’s scenery may differ, but all countries have something in common - night and day, rainfall and sunshine, the moon and sun, etc.

The food may be different, but any food serves one purpose- our enjoyment and sustenance of the body. I am sure some of us enjoy food from a foreign country from time to time. Every country in the world has something unique that another does not have. God wants us to share our specialty, for we are not alone on planet earth.

They are many different flowers on this earth; do they compete or discriminate against each other? Does the fruit or meat say only one group of people can eat them? Does the rain or sun only benefit one group of people?

Unfortunately, many countries are affected by violence, poverty, war, and illnesses. Others have seen prosperity. God gave us authority over all the things of the earth (cf. Genesis 1:26 NIV). Are we good stewards of what God has given us? Do we take care of our lands and people? We must look deeply at ourselves to see how we can help each other and our environment for the betterment of all. Let us beg the Lord for the spiritual light and wisdom to embrace each other wholeheartedly, care for his creation, love His people, and serve each other, and be grateful for God’s beauty and the gifts of humanity and nature.

Action/thought for today: Reflect on the above questions.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us the grace to love all your creation and to care for each other. In your name I pray. Amen