“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6 NIV.
In diversity, not conformity, is found unity.
My thoughts and comments today are that you “celebrate diversity.”
Your fingerprints are unique from every other person born before and after you. And science has discovered that every individual has a DNA, which is distinct from every other person before and after you. God loves diversity. When God created the universe, “He determined the number of the stars and called them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power.” Psalm 147:4-5 NIV. Read Isaiah 40:26 NIV. At creation, God’s love of diversity is displayed in the innumerable species of plants, animals, birds, and marine life. “Then God looked over all He had made and He saw that it was excellent in every way.” Genesis 1:31 NLT.
Could the disciples Jesus chose be any more diverse? They were fishermen, tax collectors, or political zealots. In the work of the Kingdom of God, “So in Christ . . we have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Read Romans 12:3-8 NIV. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. To John, the aging disciple imprisoned on Patmos, was shown the end of time, “Before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9 NIV.
In diversity, not conformity, is found true unity. Diversity is not to distinguish you from others and certainly not to separate you from them; God-given diversity is how you best complement others and contribute meaningfully to their well-being. You serve best out of the uniqueness God designed for you. “Accept one another then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.” Romans 15:6 TEV. Acceptance offers a powerful release for the full potential Christ has placed in each of us. The acceptance Jesus offers you, He intends for you to offer to others.
Why then are people inclined toward conformity and less accommodating of diversity? I think that tendency may be a vestige of our fallen natures. Something about our native insecurity makes us want to be like everyone else, or want others to conform to us. A copy of anything is never as good as the original from which it was copied. You are an original, uniquely planned and purposed by God. Don’t blend in with the surrounding culture. Don’t adapt to those around you. Be yourself. Celebrate diversity; conformity is futile. “For we dare not compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12. Don’t compare yourself with others, which causes either pride or disappointment. Nor should you be different for the sake of being different.
The Apostle Paul described, “your spiritual act of worship,” with this Godly counsel, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2-3 NIV. The process of transformation into all that God designed you to be and gifted you to do removes the impulse to conform to the world’s patterns and ways. Be your best self to serve God and bless others.
Here’s the good news of a promised day to come, “Now are we the children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2.
Today, my prayer for you is that you discover who God created you to be.