6. The diversity of its members adds great value and richness to my spiritual community.
(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.)
Reflect on the people you typically relate to. How much diversity exists in your group of relationships?
What helps or hinders your ability to develop relationships with people who are different from you?
What could be some benefits of including more relationships with people who are different from you?
What do you sense Jesus inviting you to consider in this area of your life with Him?
Our world is full of human diversity. There are different cultures, ethnicities, skin colors, languages, genders, generations, economic levels, religions, and more. Why is it then that people so often choose to gather with others who are mostly like themselves? Often the communities that we choose to participate in reflect very little of the diversity that exists around us.
By contrast, spiritual communities find great value in developing friendships with different kinds of people. God created diversity and variety with a purpose. Imagine if there were only one kind of tree, or animal, or if all the mountains were identical. Diversity in the natural world increases our enjoyment of it; it adds wonder to our lives, and shouts of the magnificence of God’s creative goodness.
Diversity in humanity also benefits us. It can help us to become more open and accepting, and less judgmental. Developing relationships with people different from us can help us focus on what we share in common in our spiritual lives and relationships with God. These relationships help us clarify what matters most—our spiritual bond. Spending time with people from various cultures and languages can expand our understanding of God as we hear how they hear or experience God differently than we do. Noticing how others see God can expand our own image of God.
All of this helps us better connect with the God who created this diversity. As we become more aware of our own biases and prejudices It can make us humble. It can cause us to worship and stand in awe of the great Creator who thought up all this diversity. Spiritual communities made up of diverse members can also speak to those outside the community. It is powerful for those outside the community to see a group of Christ followers demonstrating God’s love and grace for all humanity.
Embracing diversity is a choice. It requires courage and discipline. We must allow ourselves to be stretched. Our natural instincts lead us to look for others like us, but spiritual communities understand the value of inclusiveness for personal transformation and, ultimately, for deepening our relationships with God.