Diversity is a beautiful thing! So why do we let it divide us so tragically and painfully? In the past two months we've examined three steps that we should take if want to turn diversity into a tool that can be used to build relationships. First, we learned that we need to humbly acknowledge that we don't always get it right, and that only by accepting that others have valid viewpoints are we able to grow. Second, we were reminded that God created diversity! It brings beauty to our world in countless ways, including through differing viewpoints. Third, we were reminded of what we have always been taught: Love is the answer! We must love others unconditionally, and believe whole heartedly that relationships are more important than our viewpoints.
Today we finish with one final step and some concluding thoughts.
4. Based on what has already been mentioned, it is possible for some to allow the pendulum to swing so far that they are afraid to even have an opinion! But actually having opinions is essential to diversity. You may think that to avoid conflict it is easiest to just "go with the flow." In other words,, if you don't have any opinions, or if you don't express them, you will avoid conflict and all will be well. This perspective is not helpful and will not bring about growth in you or in others. It is also detrimental for society as a whole. The trick, of course, is not to hide our differences, but to effectively manage the conflicts that arise from them. Celebrate diversity, don't avoid it!
Don't fear differences of opinion! Embrace them and allow them to bring about growth in your life. It is almost never easy to do this. Our human nature fights against it, in fact. Some will see this as a cry for inclusivity, but nothing could be further from the truth. Spiritually, we may think that if we listen to other viewpoints we are actually demonstrating agreement with the opinion, no matter how skewed it may be. For example, if we genuinely listen to someone argue that abortion is acceptable, we are in some way condoning abortion. This is where it becomes important to separate love and respect for the person from agreement with their viewpoint. It is entirely possible to listen to an unbiblical viewpoint, have productive and respectful dialogue, and still agree to disagree. If you abandon the relationship by showing anger, disgust, or impatience, you will NEVER be able to speak truth into the other person's life. You will have lost their trust.
God does not call us to agree with each other. He created diversity, including our differences in viewpoints. But he expects (actually requires) us to interact with each other, no matter our differences, with love and respect. Christians throughout the ages have had the strongest impact on their cultures simply by showing love, by demonstrating that the way of Jesus is good and life-changing, and by living out this Good News in every aspect of their lives. In these times when lines have been drawn in the sand, Christians must be willing to step over the line, grab the hand of those we consider to be hopelessly far from the truth, and say, "My friend, let's talk about this."
