I plan to find some short articles that are interesting to me and post here in the hope that we can together learn how to write. The following is from "The word of for you today", a booklet that, I find, is very pleasing for reading with a balanced combination of Biblical teaching and practical application. I hope some of you may join me in savoring those good thoughts. Elisha L.

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I try to find common ground with everyone … that I might bring them to Christ. 1Corinthians 9:22

Become comfortable with diversity

It’s a mistake to think your way is the only way! Paul wrote: ”I try to find common ground with everyone… that I might bring them to Christ.” You must learn to become more comfortable with diversity. After all, staying healthy means eating a varied diet; you’d be foolish to eat just one food group, right?

When people feel like you respect them for who they are, you’re more effective at influencing them and helping them to change. The Bible says, “In Christ’s family … you are all equal … in a common relationship with Jesus” (Gal 3:28). Just think, when the saints of the ages gather round God’s throne to praise Him, they’ll not only be from different continents and cultures, but different eras – some from the early church and some from the space age, all worshipping together. What a concert! But you won’t enjoy it if you’re so narrow that you know one song, because they may not be singing that particular number over there!

Some of God’s choicest characters were culturally diverse: like Moses, an Israelite raised in an Egyptian household to increase his understanding and prepare him for his destiny. Or Peter, who was prejudiced enough to think that God only used Jews, until God straightened him out saying: “if God says something is acceptable, don’t say it isn’t” (Acts 10:15). Jesus prayed, “that they may all be one … that the world may believe” (John 17:21). God knows there’s one thing the enemy can’t stand, it’s Christ-centered unity that transcends diversity!