Today's Devotional Thought
September 15, 2010 by Rachel Piferi
Diversity
Look around you. Who are your closest friends? Are they all like you? Are they different from you?
When you look at your closest relationships, these people are likely very similar to you in terms of major life beliefs and priorities. In fact, research shows us that relationships that do not share similar values do not last very long. But, while you may share the same core beliefs with those closest to you, you may not be very similar in terms of personality, temperament, or approach to life. Why is that? How can our closest relationships be so similar to us and then so different all at the same time?
Differences can be frustrating and challenging. But, they can also be so rewarding and refreshing. If we look at the men that Jesus chose to walk with Him during His ministry, they are all very different from one another. Thomas was very deciphering and prudent. Peter was very impulsive and bold. John was very loving and dependable. Each one of them was distinct from the other. Even in Jesus’ inner circle of Peter, James, and John, we see such variety in personality. And, what we can learn from Jesus’ friend selection is that all personality types are valuable and necessary.
When we look at the jobs that need to be done for the Lord, we can very easily see how different personalities are suited to different jobs. Some people need to be bold leaders and be fearless in the face of challenges and obstacles. Others need to be careful and compassionate as they reach individuals who may be guarded or harder to reach. Others need to be visionaries as they optimistically take on future goals and risks. And still others need to be countless other traits that can be used in a variety of ways by the Lord.
When we look at the twelve disciples, we see a lot of variety. And, we see how Jesus used that variety for different purposes. Embrace the variety that you see among your relationships. Encourage each other to use their individual personalities to the fullest as they serve the Lord.
Surround yourself with people who love the Lord and earnestly desire to seek Him. And then don’t worry if they are impulsive, loving, bold, prudent, critically thinking, careful, introverted or extroverted. All of these traits can be (and have already been) used by the Lord. Cherish the differences that we see in each other and encourage each other to use our traits, whatever they may be, to serve the Lord.
December