Kaleidoscope

A kaleidoscope is a cylinder with mirrors containing loose, colored objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the other creates a colorful pattern, due to the reflection off of the mirrors. Coined in 1817 by Scottish inventor Sir David Brewster,^[1] "kaleidoscope" is derived from the Ancient Greek καλός (kalos), "beautiful, beauty",^[2] εἶδος (eidos), "that which is seen: form, shape"^[3] and σκοπέω (skopeō), "to look to, to examine",^[4] hence "observation of beautiful forms." ^{[5] from Wikipedia}


So much talk these days about diversity, tolerance and individualism.  They are hailed as the way to a better society.  So where is this better society?  I think the answer lies not in the individual, but in community, not in tolerance, but unity.  The answer lies in Christ.

The world is full of people with a variety of personalities, gifts and talents.  Alone these remain fractured and unimpressive, like a single pebble or bead.  However, when they are unified in Christ, they become a beautiful form...a kaleidoscope.

For without Christ it is darkness, but when He comes, His light shines and His life is reflected off His people, infusing our personalities, gifts and talents with the radiance of His glory.  His character, His love, peace, joy, goodness, faithfulness, etc.  is what is observed and the world sees something of beauty and desires it.

Unity is not in being exact replicas of one another, but each one surrendered to the life of Christ in him or her and reflecting that life to others.  Community is supporting one another and encouraging that surrender, appreciating the uniqueness and beauty it produces.