Connect360: Dignity and Diversity

• Lesson 7 in the Connect360 unit “Sacred Life: God’s Plan for Us” focuses on Revelation 5:9-10.

As God’s children, pursuing diversity is not merely a social or cultural endeavor but a profound act of obedience that reflects the very nature of the kingdom of heaven. The Bible repeatedly highlights the diversity of God’s creation and God’s people, culminating in the vision of Revelation, where every tribe, tongue and nation gather in worship before God.

This vivid depiction of heaven is not monolithic but vibrantly diverse. Embracing diversity on Earth, therefore, is a way of mirroring the heavenly reality, embodying the inclusivity and unity that God desires for his creation.

It is an act of obedience to God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves, recognizing our neighbors come from many backgrounds and experiences. By intentionally cultivating diversity, Christians are not just adhering to a moral or ethical principle, but also actively participating in realizing God’s kingdom on earth.

This pursuit goes beyond mere tolerance or coexistence; it is about celebrating the unique ways God’s image is reflected in each individual, creating a community that truly represents God’s manifold wisdom and creative power.

In doing so, believers bear witness to the reconciling power of the gospel, which breaks down barriers and unites people from all walks of life in the body of Christ.

There are a few reasons why furthering the kingdom of God includes the intentional cultivation and pursuit of diversity among the community of God’s believers.

First, diversity is woven into God’s salvation story. Reflecting on the first few chapters of Genesis—following the flood, Noah and his sons have multiple sons and descendants, and they all go into different lands and territories.

Genesis 11 records the story of the tower of Babel. The people gathered together to build a tower that would reach heaven because they wanted to “make a name for themselves” on the earth. Then, according to Scripture, God came down, confused their languages, and dispersed them across the earth.

It is important to note that the confusion of the languages and dispersal was not a curse. Rather, the creation of multiple languages was the cure for the pride that was growing in their hearts. If creating diverse languages and consequent cultures and ethnicities was a part of the curse of Babel, then we would not see representation of every tongue, tribe and nation in heaven.

Diversity is part of God’s cure to sin and is fully represented at the culmination of God’s salvation.

By Katie Frugé, director for the Center for Cultural Engagement and the Christian Life Commission of Texas Baptists.

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