We are blessed to live in this great country of the United States of America. Often referred to as a “melting pot” for all people, we have shown that individuals of all nationalities, cultures, and beliefs can live together in a relatively harmonious atmosphere. The Lord has even given us this as His new commandment that “you shall love your neighbor as yourself,” Mark 12:31. It is through emulating Christ’s love in how we treat others that we truly demonstrate that He is the ultimate guide of our daily lives.

In like manner, this concept of “unity in diversity” can be applied on a much larger scale with regard to God’s relationship with all His children. The Book of Genesis tells us that we were made in the image and likeness of God, yet we are far from being divine. No two people look exactly alike; there are even subtle differences in appearance of identical twins. No two people have been given the same personality traits and characteristics; nor have they been blessed with the same gifts and talents. Some have been given more, others less. Yet all of us have been given something that sets us apart from everyone else. Indeed, perhaps the greatest thing that God has given to all of us is our uniqueness.

From the moment of our birth until the instant we leave this world, we are called upon to live as unique individuals. Free will has been bestowed upon all of us to choose how we will cultivate our uniqueness. It is our challenge, therefore, to recognize what makes us different from all other children of God and develop  it into something that is pleasing to the Lord and beneficial to our fellow human beings. As we go about doing this, it is essential that we recognize that our “human diversity” must be in harmony with God’s plan: that all of us may one day dwell in perfect unity with Him in His heavenly kingdom. 

Christian unity begins with the Cross. It is through the Cross that we are unified in our salvation. The cross is a reminder of Christ’s suffering for us, and His victory over death. The cross is our symbol of hope, it is a symbol of faith, and it is the promise of eternal life.

How do we perfect this unity? By doing what is said repeatedly in our divine services when we pray, “let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.” Just as a symphony conductor brings out the best in his musicians when they respond to direction, the Lord can produce wonderful spiritual “music and harmony” with our varied lives – as long as we submit to His will and allow Him to guide us on our journey to salvation!