The phrase “strength is in diversity” is said in many places for many different reasons. It is one of the key tenets promoted by the moralists of our United States culture. It is in the air these days, and it sounds noble. It sounds correct. It sounds Christian. It is, however, as a statement by itself, not true.
Where this becomes most evident is when diversity itself becomes the goal. This is also true in cases where uniformity is the goal. Inclusion and exclusion by groups that value diversity or uniformity above all else are often based on shallow and meaningless characteristics. The much more profound merits and character of the people themselves are ignored. It’s a cheap replacement for a noble and holy valuation of all people on their intrinsic, created selves.
Strength is in unity. This truism stands alone much better. Unity of purpose, spirit, and values has strength beyond the common. When the souls of a group are knit together in a communal struggle to achieve an outcome, the sum is greater than the whole. This is because the synergy of effort increases inertia and multiplies the effectiveness of their force.
Wisdom is often found in diversity, and through that wisdom, strength is increased. A stable identity is often found in uniformity. Diversity of thought, opinion, and perspective increases the base from which an individual or group can operate. Uniformity in practice, appearance, and values brings a strong sense of community.
Apart from unity of will and purpose, diversity does nothing. A man of two minds does nothing. He sits and vacillates. I admire the ability to make up one’s mind, act on the decision, and yet learn and adjust with changing circumstances, without doubting oneself. God can use a person like that.
I find this passage in James quite interesting in the context of this conversation.
[Jas 1:5-8 CSB] [5] Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him. [6] But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, [8] being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
Why would the Lord give things to a person who does nothing with them? What would the Lord expect him to do with it? He’s not stupid. Wisdom is given to those who will do something with it. Servants/Stewards who are faithful and active with what they already have.
Outside the context of unity, diversity is meaningless. The differences are just crayons in a box. Yay. They aren’t doing anything. Yet, in the hands of an artist with vision and purpose, each color becomes important, and a beautiful piece of art is accomplished.
My reason for thinking on this subject is that the church I attend is currently wrestling with what to do with the diversity of thought and yet no unifying mission. It’s a study in what happens when this is true. As stewards of the Gospel and obedient practice, we are responsible for it and hold it in high value. We act, though, as if we don’t know what to do with it. We fluctuate with the times, and people easily come and go from the membership. Unfortunately, our youth find it just as easy to go elsewhere as it is to stay.
We, as a group of believers and as individuals, say we want to be guided by the Lord. Yet we don’t seek His face for direction. We also don’t try very hard to do anything on our own because we are afraid of putting our faith in our own efforts.
Where to from here? I don’t know. I’m included in the we. I’m as indecisive as they come. From where comes purpose? From where comes a single mind? From where comes decisiveness? All good things come from the Lord. Will He give us what we need? Should we ask Him?
