DIVERSITY – PERSPECTIVE BY PASTOR ALISTAIR PILLAY – CCF INTERNATIONAL CHURCH
1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some
Diversity is God working through believers with different gifts, personalities, abilities, experiences, and measures of grace, bringing them together to fulfil His divine purpose.
In the Kingdom of God, diversity does not mean that everyone must be the same. We are called to share the same Lord, remain faithful to biblical truth, and pursue the same Kingdom purpose. Yet God has given each of us a unique contribution to make
Paul understood that reaching different people sometimes required different approaches.
However, Paul did not abandon the truth of the Gospel. He adapted his approach while remaining committed to Christ and His Word.
This teaches us that we can be different in personality, communication, background, and approach without compromising our biblical convictions.
In 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Paul describes the Church as one body with many members.
The eye has a different function from the hand. The ear has a different function from the foot. Yet every member is necessary for the healthy functioning of the body
Psalm 139:13 For you formed my inward parts, you covered me in my mother’s womb I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
DIVERSITY The twelve men called and chosen by Jesus were from diverse occupations, personalities and characterics.
Among the twelve were fishermen and tax collectors. They had diverse temperaments.
For example Peter and John. Peter was bold, spontaneous, zealous, expressive whereas John was more quieter and compassionate, referred to as the one whom Jesus loved.
Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
Although Peter and John had different personalities, both represented the authority, boldness, confidence and wisdom of Jesus. Our diversity and our lack of formative, theological training will not be able to hide our time spent in the Presence of the Lord. The Jewish Council was able to discern the source of their confidence and boldness…….. spending time with Jesus.
We may be diverse in nature and personality, but like Peter, our speech will betray us. Ordinary, unschooled men who were fearless, confident bold and courageous in declaring the gospel will reveal the reality that they had been in the Presence of the Lord
PETER IS BETRAYED BY HIS SPEECH
Matthew 26:71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
Although Peter was zealous and emotionally expressive, his speech revealed his association with Jesus
CONCLUSION Although we may have diverse personalities and temperaments, the Spirit of the Lord ought to abide in all of us, which betrays our time spent in His Presence.
Whether we are Gentile or Jew, it is Christ who is our bridge of reconciliation.
John heard the voice of the great multitude in heaven that declared together …..
Revelation 19:6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
