It is obvious that God loves diversity. There is no end of the differences in people. We are made in His image but there are an infinite number of combinations of DNA producing an infinite number of unique beings. Our modern world enables us to feast on diversity. Our supermarket provides us with so many different kinds of vegetables, fruits, breads, breakfast cereals and juices. No matter the uniqueness of our tastes there is something there for almost everyone.
So how is it that we have such strong desires to make others think and believe just like we do? Religion and politics are just two arenas that create “others.” “Others” are those who do not walk in mental lock step with us. We create labels like “heretic” or “liberal” or “conservative” and we use them for reasons to not trust “others.” We create organizations, clubs and parties to make ourselves feel right and thus deem “others” wrong. “Others” are welcome to visit but not belong unless they convert and conform to us. Somehow we appreciate diversity in arenas that do not affect thought.
Is it possible we do this “birds of a feather” thing because we are insecure and need the presence of others who think like us to bolster our doubts and reinforce our biases? In John 14 Jesus said something very interesting. He said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” Was He only speaking about buildings in the sky or was He perhaps opening the door for His Father to extend grace to an infinite number of His children? Revelation 7:9 says, “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 18, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org