A Diversity of Men
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King’s actual birthday is January 15.
Like all men, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had his strengths and weaknesses. His greatest strength was calling the church and society in the United States to recognize all African Americans as fully human. He emphasized that “all men are created in the image of God.” He battled against racism and promoted diversity.
All men’s ministries in our various churches and parishes should also speak out against the sin of racism. Diversity in the body of Christ is a beautiful and optimal component. Jesus longs for Christian men to befriend those from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as from differing races and ethnicities. All are welcome and needed in the body of Christ, the Church.
One of the first church leaders, James, warned against favoritism: “For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one… have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?” (James 2:2-4). Men of all economic levels are welcome in the Church. Financial requirements never promote unity in the body.
The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy, a young leader: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12). Men of all ages and experiences are welcome in the Church. Age discrimination never promotes unity in the body.
Before leaving this world, Jesus reminded His disciples: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Men of all nations are welcome in the Church. Geographic or racial requirements never promote unity in the body.
A Diversity of Gifts
Every believer in Jesus, each Christ-follower, possesses gifts and talents that, when activated and used with the proper motives, encourage unity in the body. Paul wrote, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
You and your gifts are vitally important in the body of Christ! You may not yet know what you do best in the body. Have you prayed and talked with other men to discover the critical contribution you are meant to make?
Paul said, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching… he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8).
Yes, each of us should strive for unity in the body of Christ. The person and work of Jesus Christ serve as the basis for this unity. And since Jesus is calling all men to Himself, a diverse variety of men and gifts is required. There is no partiality with God—He uses men from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Both unity and diversity are beautiful parts of the in-breaking Kingdom.
So, this MLK Jr. Day, ask yourself: Am I promoting these values?
Unity: One body in Christ, all working together in humility to reach the lost and build up believers. Jesus prayed to the Father, “…that they may be one even as We are” (John 17:11b).
Diversity: The Church is composed of many different people and gifts. Nationalities, ethnicities, styles, and temperaments all have a place in the body of Christ. “For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function…” (Romans 12:4).
Reconciliation: Through Christ’s shed blood, we are reconciled to God. Therefore, we are also called to be reconciled to one another. “God… reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
Prejudice: Prejudice and racism have no place in the Church. “For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11). Let us reflect that same impartiality in our lives and ministries.
© Dr. Paul Pettit
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
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