• Leslie Wilber •
• Originally published January 23, 2009 at 1:50 a.m., updated January 23, 2009 at 1:50 a.m.

One of the remarkable things about God's creation is its great diversity. There is diversity among animals, plants, landscape and weather, but especially I want to bring out the diversity of people. We are short, tall, skinny and stout. We are outgoing, shy, talkative and withdrawn. We come from many nationalities and in an array of colors.

Just imagine what kind of world this would be if everything and everybody was the same. The apostle Paul observed in Romans 11:33, "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!"

There is a great diversity among philosophers, especially those without a spiritual anchor because they are basing their ideas on personal opinion. The Christian philosopher has a firm biblical foundation. He may not always be right but he's a whole lot closer.

One interesting aspect of diversity is the fact that there are many denominations of churches. While some may say that we should all be under one church authority, it seems to me that the many denominations are entirely consistent with the "diversity of man," and that we tend to go to the church that most closely fits our understanding of the Bible. Not only do we have different interpretations of the Bible, we have different modes of worship - some rather stately and others more demonstrative.

Since we are all human and subject to error, I do not believe any denomination has a 100 percent grip on the truth. I might believe that my church is 99 percent right and others are only 20 percent right, but that is a purely a subjective opinion and others will disagree.

Of course every thoughtful Christian should make the effort to find which denomination comes the closest to the truth. It follows then that every person should then try to find a church within that denomination that best meets his needs in fellowship, worship, theology, style, preaching and opportunities for service.

Since we have diverse natures and interests it is no surprise that there should be within the church body a diversity of spiritual gifts. Romans 12:4-8 says, "For even as we have many members in one body, and all members do not have the same function, so we the many are one body in Christ, and each one members of one another. Then having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, in the ministry; or he who teaches, in the teaching; or he who exhorts, in the encouragement; or he who shares, in simplicity; or he who takes the lead, in diligence; or he who shows mercy, in cheerfulness." (MKJV)

Summing up, all this diversity causes tension between people. In order to co-exist peacefully we must find ways of getting along. The answer is tolerance and forbearance. Rene Dubos put it this way: Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival.

Raymond F. Smith is a deacon at Fellowship Bible Church in Victoria and President of Strong Families of Victoria.

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