Diversity

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” – Stephen R. Covey 

There are places where people seem to have been cut out by cookie cutters. The people all dress alike, talk alike, think alike and act alike. There is not much room for people who have different opinions; they would be ostracized in that type of environment.

On the other hand there are places where people do not feel any need to conform what-so-ever. They simply do what ever they want whether it is good, bad or otherwise.

I have lived in both kinds of places.

At church one Sunday, I was reminded of the diversity in our small little church. As we were singing the phrase “Worship His holy name” in the worship song 10,000 Reasons a voice cried out in worship and praise to our God. At first it seemed rather out of place, but quickly brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face and joy to my heart as I realized that we can all worship in different ways.

Our church literally has people from all over the country and even the world that come through our doors over the course of the year, some for one week others for a season. We have people from all denominational backgrounds—some who are stiff in worship, some who raise hands while singing and dancing, some who know the Bible well and others who have never even opened it. We have old young and in between, rich and poor, manual laborers and trust funders.

The diversity paints a beautiful picture of what heaven will be like. There will be those from all walks of life worshiping the God who created us and loves each of us because of our uniqueness…I can’t wait.

Psalm 86:8-10 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
    no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made
    will come and worship before you, O Lord;
    they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
    you alone are God.

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