Diversity For the Sake of Diversity Isn’t What We Need

As the Democratic National Convention has drawn to a close social media users continue to point out the obvious: the Democratic Party and its delegates are diverse. It truly is a beautiful sight to see God’s creation, diverse in color and ethnicity, all in one room. The Democratic Party is diverse. Yet I wonder; is diversity the end all be all? In other words, does diversity matter?

Yes. Diversity matters. But diversity for the sake of diversity isn’t what we, as Christians, need. I would argue that diversity for the sake of diversity isn’t what we want either.

Here is a short list of reasons why Christians ought to pursue diversity:

Witness:

It’s interesting to me when non-believers comment about the beauty of diversity. On Facebook, throughout the DNC, there were comments about how beautiful the crowd looked. I think it’s beautiful to them because it reflects God’s creation. Paul addressed this in Romans 1:19-20: “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”

What we see when we look out into a crowd of diverse people is God’s wisdom and creativity. Diversity is attractive because it reflects God.  Christians are called to be witnesses to the watching world (Acts 1:8, Matt 5:13-16). I’m convinced that the pursuit of diversity in our churches and among each other (through friendship and fellowship) makes the gospel attractive to a world that needs Jesus.

Evangelism:

The world needs Jesus. When we pursue diversity by welcoming people into our homes and into our lives we are opening up the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We don’t need to pursue diversity just to look diverse. We want to pursue diversity as a way to love people unto Christ.

God’s Word:

Diversity can be seen throughout the Scriptures and we want to reflect God’s Word. God is diverse in his nature as God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Gen 1:26 he refers to “us” even at Creation). God calls a diverse people to himself. Paul shares speaking to the Areopagus: “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him” (Acts 17:26-27 emphasis mine). And we know that on the last day the diversity of his people will be on display (Rev 5:9).

God’s Glory:

Ultimately we want to pursue diversity because it brings glory to God. It brings glory to God because it reflects Him. Diversity reflects his nature, his Word, his last day. And whatever we do whether we eat or drink or witness or evangelize or pursue diversity, whatever it is we do we want to do it to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).

The Democratic Party can have their diversity. I don’t mean that to disrespect. I also believe that diversity is beautiful. But I’m not seeking diversity for diversity sake; that’s not what I’m seeking and I don’t think that’s what we ultimately should seek after either. There’s a greater purpose in our pursuit of multi-ethnic fellowship, congregations and the like. Ultimately it’s about bringing glory and renown to our Savior Jesus Christ.

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