India: An Expression of the Diversity of God’s Creation 

Vast skies, majestic mountains, crystal waters, rugged terrains, hot deserts, and gorgeous plains—a myriad of stimulating sights, sounds, and smells encompass the essence of India. But the highlight for many visitors are the vibrant cultures, languages, food, attire, and character that emanate from India’s 1.3 billion people. India is a country where love is the essence of life. It is a country with a variety of nationalities and religious beliefs, and that boasts more than 121 languages spoken by ten thousand or more people.[i] Yet despite the vastness of the nation, people still live together in unity and peace.

In the same way we, as the body of Christ need to be faithful to our calling to demonstrate unity in diversity. We must learn to unite as one to bring forth God’s kingdom on earth. To do this, we must set aside our everyday patterns of thinking so we can look at things from an entirely new perspective. 

The apostle Paul contrasts Christian and non-Christian responses to the gospel. He writes that there is a distinct difference between the one who perceives the goodness of God and the one who perceives the wrath of God in all he does.

“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” 

—2 Corinthians 2:15

The peculiarity of “Indian-ness” can be compared to Paul’s reference to the aroma of Christ in all of us. We come from different walks of life, but the one thing that will define and unite us, no matter where we go, is the aroma of Christ. Are we spreading the fragrance of Christ? Are we being influencers in our societies? When Christians come together in one accord, mighty miracles are bestowed on nations. The God of all creation set forth His love to have His kingdom come through His chosen people. Be that “fragrance.”

The Bible says the unity of the church in the last days will be a sign of Christ’s coming. So let us not fail to recognize that we are all different, yet united under our God-given purpose. God always leads us in triumph and through us diffuses the knowledge of Himself in every place, for we are to God the fragrance of Christ. So, how can we diffuse the fragrance of Christ? We must diffuse God’s love in a gentle, loving way and not be overbearing with our presentation of Christ. We need to be fragrant, not flagrant.

Prayer Requests

· Pray for an end to social injustice and oppression. India is a land of tremendous need. People suffer from caste discrimination, female infanticide, bride burning, slavery, human trafficking, child labor, religious prostitution, and more. Pray for an end to these injustices.

· Pray that India’s unreached will be evangelized. There are still thousands of people groups in India that have never heard the name of Jesus, making India the most unreached nation in the world.

    

[i] “General Note” in “Data on Language and Mother Tongue,” Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, accessed November 23, 2019, http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language-2011/General%20Note.pdf.