Does truth have a shelf life? (Part 3)
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”
Jesus made the foregoing comment in response to the religious leaders’ accusation that he had cast a demon out of a man by the power of the ruler of the demons. In essence, Jesus said the position of his critics was illogical. While the ruler of the demons was defeated at the cross, he’s not stupid. And since fighting against himself would undermine his deceptive strategies, it is, by definition, stupid!
It is simply common sense that any country, culture or organization divided against itself will ultimately collapse.
The principle underlying Jesus’ response in this instance can be applied more broadly. For example, it is simply common sense that any country, culture or organization divided against itself will ultimately collapse. However, it would appear today that the primary goal of many leaders in politics, education, business, and the media is to create division by emphasizing differences among people rather than commonalities.
While division might not be the end these leaders have in mind, it is the inevitable result of categorizing people according to immutable characteristics like race, ethnicity and gender. By dividing people into different buckets, they are saying that the foregoing truth asserted by Jesus has a shelf life and we’re now well past its “best before” date!
A significant driver behind these divisive policies is the widely accepted concept of legislating diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) within organizational structures. The motivation to treat everyone fairly is commendable and is a cornerstone principle of our democracy and system of common law. Moreover, organizations benefit from giving prospective employees having diverse perspectives and experience an equal opportunity to compete. That said, policies to enforce DEI for its own sake are, by definition, discriminatory and coercive. Moreover, they undercut the long-accepted truth that in order to achieve our organizational mission, we must hire the best qualified people based upon education, demonstrated competence and relevant experience.
As I was pondering DEI and its entailments recently, my wife Mary alerted me to “The World Blessing 2023” on YouTube. It showcases men, women and children from 154 nations proclaiming God’s blessing in 257 languages! Seeing so many people from widely varying backgrounds singing and rejoicing in one accord is riveting. And it’s an excellent example of constructive DEI.
As you watch the video, you will see a moving example of diversity of race, gender and ethnicity from 154 countries and every continent. And equity is the hallmark of this particular people group, since every member received identical treatment when they sought forgiveness from, and surrendered their lives to, Jesus; that is, salvation by grace through faith. Finally, inclusion in Christ is the essence of the Christian worldview. Every member, irrespective of immutable characteristics, is included in the family of God.
It brings to mind the apostle Paul’s encouragement in his letter to the church in Galatia. “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.”
Now there’s the type of DEI in action to which I can wholeheartedly subscribe! What about you?
Photo by Artturi Jalli on Unsplash
