Diversity: A God Creation

Definition: diversity - a multiplicity of shared and different individual and group experiences, values, beliefs, and characteristics among people. Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. It is all-inclusive and recognizes everyone and every group as part of the diversity that should be valued. A broad definition includes not only race, ethnicity, and gender — the groups that most often come to mind when the term "diversity" is used — but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. It also involves different ideas, perspectives, and values.

"God created us uniquely, and our differences should be celebrated, not minimized."

During a corporate DEI training, I witnessed discomfort as people grappled with the reality of difference. Many had been taught to "look past" differences rather than celebrate them. But God does not call us to ignore differences—He calls us to honor them. Our sameness is found in Christ (Galatians 3:28), but our God-given cultural identities shape our lived experiences.

God cares about those experiences. If He didn't, there would be no validity in them. He created our differences for a reason, and we honor Him when we celebrate—not erase—what makes us unique.

Many DEI efforts we take for granted—curb cuts for wheelchairs, captions on TV, and parental leave—are about creating an environment where everyone can participate fully. Celebrating differences means recognizing how these changes benefit all of us, not just a select group.

This signals the importance of 'diversity' in the acronym because it pays tribute to the beautiful ways God made us all different. As our creator, He does everything well, and the diversity in His creation inspires us to ensure that all people have the opportunity to thrive as He intended.

It shows us that diversity is not a mistake — it is God's intentional creation. Diversity is God's idea. Diversity, as the anchoring concept in DEI, is God's creation.

If He wanted us to be the same, He would have made us that way. But He didn’t. He created different ethnicities, cultures, and languages, each with a unique expression of His glory.

Biblical Example

• Pentecost (Acts 2:1-12) shows God’s affirmation of diversity. When the Holy Spirit came, people heard the gospel in their own languages. God did not erase cultural differences; He embraced them.
• Ehud, the Left-Handed Judge (Judges 3:12-30) – Ehud was a left-handed man in a right-handed world. His unique ability allowed him to defeat King Eglon and liberate Israel. What some saw as a disadvantage, God used as a strategic advantage.
• The Cushite Messenger (2 Samuel 18:19-32) – When Absalom was killed, a Cushite (Ethiopian) was chosen to deliver the news to David. His role as a foreigner in Israel was significant because it demonstrated that God’s work isn’t limited by nationality or ethnicity. He was valued for his contribution, not his background.

Reflection Questions

1. How have you been taught to think about diversity in your faith journey?
2. What does it mean to celebrate, rather than minimize, differences?
3. How does recognizing diversity in the Bible impact your view of DEI?