Diversity…A Good Thing Isn’t It?

Our country is truly a melting pot of various traditions and beliefs.  We respect the faith and ideals of others. However, as we come into the New Year the news is filled with “hate” crimes. Jewish Synagogues and meeting places have been attacked.  Now it seems that going to Church is hazardous to your health!  You might get shot.

Diversity has become the byword of the liberal elite.  We as believers may not think this problem of diversity applies to us.  Think again.

Those of us who have held fast to our faith and  have decided that we will follow and be faithful to a Jewish rabbi who lived 2000 years ago….  does not fit into the idea of diversity.   Our Master revealed to us a belief in God who set standards for our behavior and worship. He is the atonement for man’s sins.   We call ourselves Christians.  Scripture itself says we are a “peculiar people”.  We are set aside for the very purpose of discipleship.  We are not diverse even though within the broad concept of Christianity there are various views on modes of worship etc.

 We are also promised persecution. It wasn’t just for the early faithful but also for us today.  Can you see how the world views us?  Are we Christians really diverse in our attitudes?  Do we believe all faiths will lead to God?   We believe that there is really only one way……..through faith in Jesus. That isn’t diversity is it? 

There is increasing anti Semitism also.   Many Jewish people have become secular in their beliefs but those being attacked are the conservatives and orthodox.  Since our faith comes from the teachings of the Old Testament we can expect the same discrimination.

Christians are loving and generous to others.  Both Jews and Christians are always the first to help our neighbors.  We regard the dignity of man because all men are created in the image of God.  We do love our neighbor because it is commanded of us.  Love becomes a verb!! It is an action.

The idea of diversity is a word that takes on a particular meaning in politically correct thinking. It isn’t a generous all accepting word.  Diversity becomes rather narrow in regard who is accepted and who isn’t. Diversity becomes conformity!

If we hold fast to our faith in spite of “adversity” then expect dangers ahead.  Christianity/Judaism will face increasing hostility and derision.  Only time will tell how many will remain in the Faith.  

1 Peter 2:9.. “ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”  KJV