Word Study Wednesday- Define Diversity {Individuality}

One of the most liberating Bible Principles is the Principle of Individuality. We are each created uniquely and have different purposes to fulfill. One of the Biblical basis for this principle is God's diversity.

© Principled Academy

I also think this can be one of the most challenging principles for people to fully grasp and appreciate. Please read to the end of this post to see if you fully understand and embrace this Bible principle...

 Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

DIVERSITY, n. [L.]

1. Difference; dissimilitude; unlikeness. There may be diversity without contrariety. There is a great diversity in human constitutions.

What does the Bible say about diversity?

We are created differently from each other!

1 Corinthians 4:7

Even each star is different from one another!

1 Corinthians 15:41

There is none like God!
Isaiah 40:18
Isaiah 40:25
Isaiah 46:5
Isaiah 46:9
Jeremiah 10:6

Personal Application: 

Apart from physical and personality differences amongst each other, we have each been given different talents, gifts and interests.  This is a beautiful thing! Look at the picture below...

© Principled Academy

Each individual tulip creates a beautiful scene to look at.

This makes me think of my family. We all share commonalities but each of us have different gifts and talents and interests. It's exciting to discover what these are and how each of us will use them for God's glory! And it's wonderful to see how the variety blesses our family; we all learn from each other.

This also makes me think of the body of Christ. It's important to take joy in what God has called you to do and to be joyful for others in what God has called them to do! We all need to be careful; it can be easy to get caught up in a *competition* mindset and that can go in a direction that doesn't please the Lord.

More Thoughts...

When it isn't embraced as a beautiful thing, it can be this way in...

a family unit, "You are given a talent in such n' such but (fill in the blank). You should (whatever) instead for this (whatever) reason." (What about what that person is being called to do for the Lord?)

a community, "We are doing *this* and it's not seen as working together if you are doing *this* over here..." (Thus a sad and unnecessary divide can happen.)

a church... "These are the ministries we do and you can be a part of this ministry or this ministry which have spaces open..." (But maybe someone could be mentored in how to get another ministry started within the church...)

schools... (cookie cutter education)

*homeschools*... (so and so's homeschool looks like *this* or a traditional school room looks like *this* and my homeschool *should*) or (You may learn *this* way but you need to learn *this* way.")

relationships... (if you are or aren't *fill in the blank* vs. Christ is our common ground)

Whatever God has called you to do, I hope are encouraged in it. I hope you use those gifts, talents and interests He gave you; don't let others drown out that calling. Also, I hope you sincerely encourage others in what He has called them to do.

Have a Blessed Day!