Before there was Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), there was God

I am sure I have read these verses many times but they stood out to me today. I serve on our D&I Council at my civilian job and get to work with some of the most amazing people that have truly embraced what it means to be inclusive and not focus on our differences. Everyday, in everything they do, they celebrate how our different backgrounds, upbringing, education, thoughts, looks-all that makes us different, is also what makes us great.

I read these verse in my women’s bible study tonight and it seemed fitting. “So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28, NIV). Wow- God was throwing D&I at us before it was a thing. It’s not about are you good enough, or were you raised on the right side of the tracks, did you go to temple-none of that. It is simply are you a Christ follower, are you a child of God in your faith? There is no color, there is no wealth, there is no physical ability, or the ability to speak or hear-it is ALL about your belief, your faith in Jesus Christ. ALL are welcome to His table.

Imagine if we faced every encounter, every engagement in this same way? Imagine if instead of pointing out in all the ways we differ, we simply came together in our mutual love of Christ?

Today, I encourage you to go back and read Galatians 3 and remember the redemption that is ours through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Today, I pray that you look around you and see your fellow man, your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and that you celebrate being one with them and not dwell and let any of your differences rob you of that family.