Necessary Differences
By Susan Klein
“One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.”
Romans 14:5 (NASB)
In the current historical drama Lee Daniel’s The Butler, a father and his adult son become estranged due to their different stances in the heat of the civil rights movement. The father, born and raised on a cotton plantation, leaves home seeking employment elswhere as a butler. Eventually, he is invited to work in the White House, faithfully serving several U.S. presidents over time. The elder son heads off to Fisk College where he becomes involved in sit-ins and peaceful demonstrations, hoping to affect change in the racially tense climate that exists. When the son is arrested, his father tries to discourage further involvement, fearing for his safety and disapproving of his methods. The son is only driven deeper by his passion for change and eventually joins the Black Panther Militia. Without giving away all of the movie, suffice it to say that these actions drive a wedge between the two of them and the father cuts off all contact.
This type of scenario has been common to man throughout history. Differences of opinion lead to divisions in families and separate the closest of friends. Political and religious differences seem to invoke the most estrangement. Experiencing this firsthand with his coworker Barnabas, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue in his letter to the Roman believers, who seem to be struggling with each other’s spiritual peculiarities. He makes the point that each believer is at a different place in his or her spiritual walk, and that not all should expect to behave in the same manner. Depending upon cultures, personal histories and spiritual maturity, all hold to their own set of standards for behavior. Paul exhorts that it is not for one to pass judgment on the other, but to be convicted of one’s own beliefs and act accordingly.
God knows better than we do what qualities each of us needs. He created all His children with unique abilities and talents “to do the good works He prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). He has a divine purpose for each individual. Rather than focusing on our differences, we ought to celebrate each other’s uniqueness and acknowlege the wisdom of the Creator in His choices of how He gifts each one of us for His service.
Not until the father in the movie is quite old does he realize that he and his son really had the same passion for change. Each just had their own unique way of displaying it. (It has a happy ending!)
GOING DEEPER:
1. How might personal differences be causing strife in any of your relationships?
2. Can you trust God’s working in those differences?
FURTHER READING:
Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood.
