Comments on: Unity In Diversity

By: Shannon Mimbs

Shannon Mimbs — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:58:35 +0000

Dee and I know of a small child from a blended family (from two different ethnicities) who came home crying one day because of how her skin looked different than that of many of her peers. Understandably, her mom was irate and demanded that something be done by her child’s teacher in order to prevent this from happening again in the future. Yet, time and time again the child had heard surrounding family members (parents, grandparents, etc.) bash persons of color. All the while, their own family member (this young child) was of darker complexion than most. Hence, the child had come to the conclusion (at a young age) that persons of color were “ugly” and those of fair skin were “beautiful.” The child was never taught to celebrate diversity and that God creates diversity as a grand mosaic of his love and grace….

Similarly, if not careful we will equate homogeneous gatherings with what the church is supposed to look like. This includes issues of race and ethnicity but goes beyond that to include other aspects of conversational living of which Sonny mentions. I say “conversational living” to emphasize the give and take of community. We each are contributions to the grand mosaic of grace which serves witness to our neighbors of the love of God through Jesus Christ. May we celebrate such diversity, realizing that our commonality derives from our allegiance to Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.

Peace

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:02:57 +0000

I have always made friends pretty easily. And like you Sonny, I don’t think I could get along with another me. During all my life’s “adventures” I have met many, many different kinds of people…. some saved-some not. However, they are still my friends and I love them. I offer them the Truth and it is up to them to accept it.

I have an overwhelming compassion for the hurting, the lost, the homeless, etc. For a long time, I got angry when other Christians didn’t show the same kind of compassion for my burdens. I just couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t listen to my reasoning. I have now realized that we all have different burdens in this world, but we (Christians) are all still striving for the same goal….to build His Kingdom. We are all seperate parts of the body of Christ and we all have to do our OWN part to make it run smoothly.

Tammy, I disagree with what you said. You ARE very important to the body of Christ. We all are. It takes all of us doing our part and doing it boldly and without fear. There have been so many times over the past several years that you and I were each other’s ears and heart.

And Doug, even the armpit and the toe-jam collection place is important too.

Peace, Love and Blessings to all

By: Tammy

Tammy — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:34:21 +0000

As long as I can remember, I have made friends easily. I have 4 or 5 very close friends, all very different in their roles, personalities and opinions, yet our common denominator is that we love God and each other. I love the fact that we can disagree and still love each other, however, there is more fear in the conflict that may come from disagreements with others.

I must admit that I do love hearing those around me discuss, debate and dialogue their beliefs on different matters of the bible.

I think it strengthens our skills for discussions with others.

As for the body, although I do not feel very important, I prefer to think that I am striving to be the ear…willing to listen; or the heart …showing compassion; but where ever my gifts are leading me, I hope to go willingly and wholeheartedly.

By: JOHN

JOHN — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:24:17 +0000

excellent blog! sends out a real positive vibe man!

By: Sonny

Sonny — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:07:39 +0000

Have you heard the expression train of thought. I have about twelve different tracks in my mind and the track switching is going on constantly. That is one reason I am just blogging when I wanted to write a book all my life.

I believe there are lots of people that feel like they just don’t fit. Couple that with how easily we are offended and we can begin to understand where all the different denom”s come from and why some people constantly change churches.

We need to learn to accept and love in a real way. Not just pretense. If we could just look at everyone as just who we need to complete our fellowship, or group, or platoon or …

Then we could begin to get on with the mission.

Love you

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:09:47 +0000

This subject seemed to come out of left field considering all of your recent lessons and topics…….I digress

I have often felt like the armpit in the body of Christ….or maybe even the space in between the toes where toe-jam collects. I think there is a a sermon in there somewhere, but I have never found it. You know my demeanor and of course I jest, but I always think of that when people make reference to being in the “body” of Christ.

I think when it comes to diversity it is all about comfort verses change. I believe that folks are VERY comfortable with the status quo and are resistive to change. Why else do you have church’s dying? No vision. No willingness to step out on faith and see what God has in store for them. It was like Barney’s message yesterday in reference to the Church at the Highland. They are booming. They are reaching folks that need to be reached……….wonder if they have a coffee house in the church?