DIVERSITY
GOOD MORNING GOD
Every day when we read the news paper, read X, scroll thru social media , watch the news on TV etc we recognize we live in a world of Diversity . Diversity of age, education, race, religious beliefs, political beliefs, economic standards, jobs , (sports teams) and many more….. . while we recognize diversity can be good and can help keep us in check as well as help us learn more about ourselves and other people and cultures. And that is good when that happens. We also recognize that diversity can sometimes distract us, eat away at us and even cause splits and conflict. That is not healthy. When we don’t understand fully what others are thinking or possibly where they have come from, I think we can begin to form bad and unproven thoughts about that person or persons.
We are reminded in Romans 12:4-5
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them”
As well as in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
These familiar passages teaches us that there are many gifts ,different thoughts/functions and even cultures but one body. God help us to apply this to our life scenarios where we aren’t all in the same brackets in age, socio-economical state, race, career, skin color, religious beliefs etc . Help us to have the same love, compassion and respect for others as you showed us when you welcomed Zaccheus down form the tree or dealt with the women at the well, or told the parable about the women who had sinned and how she should be treated . In all our diversities may we apply these lessons. Forgive us where bad thoughts of others have entered our mind. Help us to be more open and understanding to other cultures, beliefs and ways of doing things. Give us strength for this and help us to respect and try to understand those who think different from us, who have other culture backgrounds or just plain have other ideas.
This week we lift up those of our members and loved ones who may have lingering health issues or concerns. Continue to be with those who thru health issues may have to alter their life plans and direction. Guide their thoughts. We are thankful for the ways you have healed those who have had ailments and or continuing in their healing. We know your ways and knowledge are much higher then ours and we ask that you continue to hear the spoken and the unspoken word.
We ask that as we transition into Fall and new leadership and role responsibilities that continue to guide us and give us wisdom. Thank you for guiding us in current and future pastoral roles and transitions.
We also ask that you be with those around the world that are facing war and much uncertainty. It is hard for us to fathom the pain and loss war and unrest can cause as we live here in a peaceful nation. God be close to the innocent families and children where peace does not exist. Somehow allow the leaders of these groups to understand the frailty of life and to understand at what cost their power and decisions may be exacting .
We lift up our Household of Faith (HOF) this week.
God as we enter another week give us strength and energy to face whatever tasks are ahead of us. For some there may be challenges but we trust you will provide the energy and support required to meet these hurdles. As we enter one of the last weeks of summer holidays may we enjoy what you have to show us in nature whether in sunrises, clouds, sunsets, meteor showers, northern lights and yes even in the rain. We somehow know you have something to teach us in all this. May we not miss this.
In all this we ask it
AMEN