The mantra today is, “we must have diversity”. Diversity in race, religion, sexuality, genders and on and on and on.
All forms of media in every facet of our lives are engaged in fulfilling this requirement by giving the impression or appearance of being diverse. So much so, we are being presented an unrealistic view of the world.
I assume the intention is to appear we live in a world that reflects everyone.
This is seen in our businesses where hiring practices are being driven by the need to have a diverse workforce. In some cases, hiring is being based on meeting a particular diversity goal instead of hiring the most qualified person.
It is also evident in government where mandates requiring minimum levels of diversity in awarding contracts have been implemented. At times, this causes qualified companies to be overlooked because they do not meet these goals or satisfy these requirements.
Churches too, are striving to present a diverse appearance to the world as websites, publications and videos feature faces and genders which are more representative of the desire to appear diverse than the actual diversity of their congregations.
Is there anything inherently wrong in all of this? I suppose not. After all, how can it be wrong to desire to include everyone?
Though this sounds right, and the motive is admirable, the motivation behind it may be creating more problems than the lack of diversity itself.
The conundrum that exists here is, there is no place for diversity when it comes to thought. Here is where “denying diversity” begins.
You see, in today’s world it is becoming unacceptable to think differently. Even as I write this, I know there are some who will take offense and perhaps even become angry when reading it.
This is truly ironic since our differences are what the desire to be diverse claims to celebrate.
So, where do we go from here? Do we continue to silence those who have a different perspective or viewpoint? Have we gotten to the point where there is no place for such people? If so, how is this any different than saying there is no place for different types of people?
The truth is, you cannot have it both ways. You are either seeking diversity or “denying diversity”.
Hopefully, we can agree if we do not have the diversity of thought, we are not diverse at all.
I suppose this is something we each will decide for ourselves.
We were told by Jesus to love one another. Nothing expresses diversity more than letting others see the love we have for one another regardless of our race, sexuality, gender, or thoughts.
Will we be that diverse? Time will tell, but it will not be possible until we can accept all our differences. Perhaps none being more important than our differences regarding how we think!
John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
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