Diversity

What are the pros and cons of diversity?

When a team, organization, or community has members of different backgrounds and perspectives they can generate new ideas and accomplish new things. Diversity is a place where creativity thrives.

On the other hand, if you have too much diversity, then it becomes easier to focus on differences than similarities. Unity suffers, paving the way for conflict. Diversity has to be balanced with unity in order for the synergy and creativity to lead anywhere productive. Too much diversity can lead to varying and even opposing ideals, processes, and goals. Differing goals, then lead people apart in different directions.

Chaos and order

A little bit of chaos is a good thing, as long as it is tempered by order. Chaos brings growth and increased strength if handled correctly. In this way, diversity is akin to chaos, as unity is to order. Diversity and unity must be balanced in the same way chaos and order should be. Like a little bit of chaos, diversity can lead to growth and strength too. But without unity—whether it's a common goal, belief, etc.—diversity will pave the way to division. Division left unchecked naturally brings destruction. As the refrain goes, "a house divided, cannot stand."

Diversity and moral values

The world today seems to preach diversity as a higher moral than unity. On the other hand, other morals offered by God, christianity, and religion in general have long since been abandoned by many. The 10 commandments by varying levels are commonly trampled under foot (3 Nephi 28:35). This is a recipe for disaster. While God has given many diverse gifts and talents, they come with a price. God asks for sacrifice and humility that He might magnify our gifts. All good gifts come from God, but if we don't use them for good, we sow our own destruction. Believe it or not, God is a jealous god (Mosiah 11:22).

If diversity is not coupled with the holy principle of unity in Christ, then diversity is not a good thing. All virtues taken to the extreme can become a vice. If we are not one, we are not Christ's (D&C 38:27). Our master architect can make more of us and our talents when we bring them to his altar and conform to his standards. This doesn't mean diversity has to go away; it means our unique qualities can work together for the greater good. Only then will it provide the most growth and strength for teams, organizations, and communities.

Christlike Unity

Next time someone praises diversity, ask yourself why? Make sure there is first unity before you pursue diversity.

Diversity, although good, is not more important than unity. When you stop and think about what the world values, you'll find it has many holes (2 Nephi 9:28). Diversity is usually championed by the general notion of kindness. There is some truth to this. We should be kind to people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. But if kindness is the foundation upon which the world wants to build diversity, it will not last. Too much diversity can extend beyond the bounds set by God's higher laws and lead to justifying sin. If left unchecked by unity, good and evil are both welcomed under the guise of diversity. Yet no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), and we might find that we risk leaving Christ in honor of diversity.

Without Christ, we will find it hard to be kind to our enemies — or those we see as different and diverse. Kindness is a Christlike attribute, yes, but it's only part of a sure foundation (Helaman 5:12). Christ is a better foundation for diversity. He knows how to really make it work for the greater good.

So let's talk of Christ, preach of Christ, and rejoice in Christ (2 Nephi 25:26). He can heal all wounds and comfort all hearts. He can make the best of all of us no matter where we come from.

"For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile (2 Nephi 26:33)."

Let's bring our time, talents, and strengths to the table and be one in Christ.