5.1Discussion: Devotional Reflection-Diversity

Getting Started

Diversity is increasingly an important issue for businesses to

consider. The combination of changing demographics and

globalization is forcing every business to think about how

management must change as the workforce and customer base

becomes more diverse. To Christians, this should be no surprise as

we are definitely told that the kingdom of God is diverse. Reflect

on how diversity is a part of God’s plan and how scripture can

better enable you to appreciate God’s creation through His diverse

peoples.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be

able to:

● Expand on your personal definition of diversity.

Resources

● Bible (New International Version)

Background Information

We often think that the best way to create unity is to reduce

diversity so that everyone looks and talks as much alike as

possible. The Bible repeatedly discusses how we are all united

under Christ but it does not declare we are all exactly the same. In

fact, each of us is different. Look at Romans 12:4 where it says we

are different parts of the body. If we were, all the same, the body

would not work correctly. If we are not diverse, the capital C

church will not work correctly. The tension between similarity and

diversity needs to be carefully maintained for the church to be

truly Christ’s body.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV): “The body is a unit, though it is

made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they

form one body. So, it is with Christ.”

When we examine these verses, we can see how God uses our

differences to help and support each other.

Finally, in Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV), we see a great heavenly

perspective on diversity.

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude

that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and

language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They

were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their

hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our

God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria

for earning your grade.

2. Take a moment to reread ​Romans 12:4​, ​1 Corinthians 12:12 and ​Revelation 7:9-10​.

3. Reflect and respond to the following prompts:

a. Have you ever looked at the different parts of Christ’s

church as a representation of diversity? Does it help

you to recognize the importance of diversity (not only

race but in areas like gender, disability, and culture) in

the Church? How?

b. What type of picture does Revelation 7:9-10 paint for

you?

c. Is there any way you can better create this picture of

heaven right now in your life? How might that look?

Will it be a stretch for you?

4. Your reflection post should be at least one full page in length

and incorporate at least one Scripture other than those

covered in the assignment, that supports your post. Be sure

to use proper grammar, spelling and properly cite your

sources.

View the associated rubric

Access the Discussion postings page