It is all in the difference
If you consider for a moment the high degree of similitude that describes every human being it truly is amazing. With few exceptions, we come into this world possessing a torso upon which rests a single head that contains a brain encased within a skull, two ears placed one on each side of the head of approximately the same shape capable of hearing sound, two eyes set in sockets at the front of the skull capable of seeing images, a nose set between and slightly below the eyes which allows us to breath in life-giving oxygen and to smell, and below the nose a mouth which can perform a myriad of functions from inhaling oxygen, ingesting food, smiling, frowning, and uttering sounds. And so it is with the rest of our body. Each of us has been marvelously constructed from the same set of parts, certainly with respect to our physical structure.
It is our differences that are important
Yet there are inherent differences which while in many ways are much subtler in form or substance, are often so much more important in defining who we are and what we are capable of becoming and being. Some differences are and ought to be of insignificant consequence, yet sadly their unimportance is often given far greater import and meaning than merited. I am speaking here of course of such physical disparities as a person’s height, weight, skin color, gender, and ethnicity.
Each of us is a unique person, similar in many ways, but different is so many others. While we should embrace and exalt our differences, we all too often disparage and ridicule those who differ from our own self-perceived, self-declared perfection.
It has become prevalent within our society to speak of the equality of all persons as though we are cookie-cutter cutouts, where differences are no longer considered appropriate or allowed. The words from the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal,” have been bent and reshaped into a phrase both terrifying and abhorrent in its foul reconstruction. The truth that at the moment of creation everyone is equal in their construction, humanity, and potential has been altered beyond belief.
We are all created equal but that is as far as it goes. God has created us from the same parts, but given each of us a unique set of talents and gifts upon which we are to do our very best. Consider how many different makes and models of vehicles are available, along with choices of color, accessories, engines, etc. from which you have to choose. Why so much diversity? Shouldn’t one type of vehicle be sufficient? Is a blue car better than a red one or is a small car better than a big truck or are two wheels better than four or sixteen?
YES we are all created equal in the sight of God and YES we are similar in our human construction but NO we are and never will be exactly equal to any other. I will never be your doppelganger nor will you be my clone. But I can and must respect and honor the uniqueness of you and I thank God that he loved each of us enough to create you to be you and me to be me.
