Fw: diversity

Diversity is a popular term in today's culture.  Especially since the breakthrough in Civil Rights in the 1960's our society has sought to find and build an appreciation for, and the presence of, diversity...especially ethnic and gender diversity...across every aspect of life.  In education, employment and social organizations diversity has become a value and a measure of health.

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The Bible appreciates and highly values diversity.  In Romans, chapter 12, we find another way of viewing diversity to build health in our Christian community: (verse 4) " For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another."

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"Many become one".  The motto of the United States is E pluribus unum, latin for "Out of many, one".  It's interesting that this is also the motto of the church, through the intention and design of the Lord.

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Our nation is stronger when we realize we are many states and regions with a common bond of freedom and equality.  Our society is healthier when inappropriate barriers are dropped between people of different ethnic backgrounds.

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And the church is only as effective as it recognizes and integrates the spiritual gifts of its members.  The goal is oneness that presents a clear, effective and healthy picture of Jesus Christ to all aspects of our society, of our nation, and to the world.

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Romans 12:6-8

 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: 

if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 

or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; 

he who teaches, in teaching; 

he who exhorts, in exhortation; 

he who gives, with liberality; 

he who leads, with diligence; 

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

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blessings,

Rob Smith

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"Death is inevitable.  Life is a choice!"

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."