All Different? All The Same?

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. Luke 15:1

Look around your world. Does everyone look like you? Does everyone not only carry the party line but also hold it? Are you surrounded by yes-men and women? Is everyone in a similar tax bracket? Are your social circles the same year after year? Are all your friends your age and stage of life? There is a danger in this.

Variety in relationships will safeguard your success. Diversity in dialogue will protect your ability to think clearly. Looking at an issue or idea from all angles protects your future.

Of course, your closest friends will likely carry similar backgrounds and beliefs, but it is wise and biblical to expand your relationship circle.

Jesus didn’t just hang out with the priests. They weren’t his buddies, and their hypocrisy made him angry, but he still engaged them in conversation.

In heaven all types of people will be there. Revelation 5:9 describes the scene: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

Yes, it benefits us to hang out with those who are different than we are. Having a single woman edit my women’s books helps me reach a broader audience. Having friends of all races keeps me sensitive to their faith needs or traditions. Having friends in all denominations makes me think through my theology. Having friends of all ages and stages helps better prepare me for life’s journey as well as keeps me relevant to a changing culture.

Do you need to make a few more new and unique friends?