The Beauty of Diversity

August 21, 2007 by David.

I’ve begun reading a book that anyone who calls themselves a Christian should read. “Velvet Elvis” by Rob Bell is yet another book that has shook my foundations and caused me to question things I previously thought unquestionable. He validates the the process of questioning and even goes so far as to say that questioning can even draw someone closer to God. It’s a beautiful thought, especially when you find yourself in a whirlwind of thoughts that run contrary to the popular belief in the modern church.

Something, though, that has jumped out at me from this book and others I’ve read is the beauty of diversity. I’m not talking about the government mandated programs of diversity, but TRUE diversity. Diversity of race. Diversity of cultures. Diversity of beliefs. There is tremendous opportunity in experiencing more than what you’re accustomed to. The opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery are enormous when we diversify every element of our lives.

Take music as an example. For years, I’ve spent the better part of my life listening to either Metal or Rock. I shunned pop, hip-hop, rap, blues and especially country. However, as I’ve aged (and maybe grown wiser), I’ve learned to diversify my musical taste. For one, you quickly realize that the different instruments are played differently between the different styles. Each style has a benefit and I love that there is truly music for any occasion. A driving bass guitar in a hard rock song can get the adrenaline pumping like nothing else. However, if you take that bass and make it fluid and smooth and about 1/4 beat ahead/behind the drums, you will get some incredibly smooth jazz that will soothe the soul. Same instrument, different take.

I think faith, like music, offers different ways of listening to the same instrument. Some have a strong, unending faith that trusts God no matter what. It’s very child-like in its innocence and very pure. You have some, like myself, who are constantly wringing their faith and trying to make better sense of things that don’t make sense. It’s very thoughtful and contemplative. Still others have a real faith that expresses itself by helping others and by being a “real Jesus” to the people around them. It’s beautiful and humane.

As I sit and think about these different types of faith, I realize they are like that bass guitar. It’s the same instrument, yet it’s playing different music. Each faith, like each style of music, is perfect for certain occasions. And by realizing that, we realize our tremendous need for one another. No single person has the exact right faith, just as there is no perfect music.

That strong, unending faith is wonderful when times are tough. Because it doesn’t question much, it doesn’t bother itself with answers that don’t make sense. It simply trusts. Sometimes that’s what we need to pass through the hard times.

The questioning faith is amazing for times of spiritual growth. This faith causes change and forces people to think differently. Without it, people would still be advocating slavery through the use of scripture. Thank God for this faith as well.

The active faith is amazing when others around you are hurting. It becomes a faith that serves. A faith that heals. And nothing is quite as beautiful as that.

Even further, I believe Jesus demonstrated all of these faiths (and more) in His lifetime. I also believe that was very intentional. He wanted people to relate to him, no matter what faith they naturally took to. The more I think about His life and the examples He set, the more in awe I become. He knew the tendency of man. He knew our failings and our faults. In the midst of that knowing, He crafted a life so perfect in its example that no man could not relate to Him on some level, and through that, relate to other men as well. Jesus was as diverse an individual as any that has ever walked the earth.

Isn’t that diversity beautiful?

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