··Heavenly Harmony··
It seems to me that the Lord intentionally makes siblings as different as possible.
After two years of getting acquainted with our firstborn, Easygoing Ethan, we had come to expect a second boy of similar temperament. Aaaaand then we met Marcus Mayhem. But as different as these kids can be (which is remarkably like my brothers and me, and you and your siblings), my boys are best buddies. They play together. Fight imaginary battles together. Fight real battles together. They are as different as can be! But they deeply love one another.
Families are a mess. We’re all so very different from one another, which can cause friction. But the goal in a family, or a community, or a nation isn’t uniformity - it’s unity. This isn’t groundbreaking news, but a friendly reminder. God’s plan is for you and me to participate in our God-given roles as part of Heaven’s choir and orchestra. There’s just an amazing amount of Scripture that shows us how to work together, play together, worship together, love together, and so on.
We’re different. And that’s beautiful. Monochromatic art isn’t nearly as captivating as varied color. You can argue that, but I’m pretty sure your television isn’t black and white. Different is necessary. An orchestra of only tubas would be... awkward? At very least it wouldn’t be an orchestra. Different is designed. You’ve probably even made the argument yourself that God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.
The bottom line is that Heaven is made up of “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation,” and yet there’s perfect harmony. Christlike harmony creates blissful families, prosperous nations, and loving churches. Coerced homogeny creates resentful families, communism, and cults. So be different while being unified. Be a member of your family, church, and country as a faithful instrument contributing to God’s orchestra. Follow the Maestro, and love your brothers.
We’re different by design.
The real question is, are we in Heavenly harmony?
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren.” -1 Peter 3:8