Diversity & Unity In Christ: Kingdom Work Doesn't Have One Appearance

Feb 24
3 min read

Back with another micro-post from the gospel of Luke, today's writing is a reflection inspired by Luke 7:35 "But wisdom is justified by all her children."

There are some verses that instantly stand out to you, but their meaning isn't immediately obvious. When I first read this verse, I paused. I knew there was a deeper meaning to be found, especially after reading Proverbs, which reveals that true wisdom comes from God, as opposed from the demonic wisdom which rules our world.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom begins with God.
The wise recognize God as the source of their wisdom.
The wise submit to His authority.
The wise seek His guidance.

"Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses..."How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge." Proverbs 1:20-22

Wisdom is personified in Proverbs as a woman, the most overlooked and discredited among all.
God's word reveals that wisdom seeks to be found, heard, and understood but most do not listen.
God seeks to give us His wisdom, but most prefer their sin to His truth.
God seeks to reveal Himself to us, but most do not have ears to listen or eyes to see. This is further supported in the gospels as many reject Jesus.

Throughout the text, Proverbs continues to reveal wisdom as the path to life and abundance, involving humility (ears to receive), as a guide for daily conduct, as a protector of the heart and moral life, more valuable than wealth, the bringer of inner stability and peace, and the insight by which your life aligns with God's will.

Wisdom is granted by God through His word and His Holy Spirit.
Wisdom is God's word.
God is wisdom.

Anytime you see the word wisdom mentioned in scripture, know that something important is being said. Going back to our focus verse today: "But wisdom is justified by all her children." Luke 7:35 We may take this to say, but God is justified by all His children.

If we look at the context in which Jesus spoke these words, we see He was drawing comparison between Himself and John the Baptist, both of whom were rejected by the masses, especially those in power and cloaked in false righteousness such as the Pharisees.

"To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance..." Luke 7:31-32

Jesus basically says the men of this generation will not be pleased by anything or anyone. They are like unsatisfied children who expect you to do what they want you to do.

"For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, "He has a demon." The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, "Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is justified by all her children." Luke 7:33-35

John was quiet and outwardly pieous. Jesus was social and relatable, so much so He was described as a drunk and a glutton.
Both were rejected by religious leaders and others because of their appearance, but there is not one appearance of righteousness.

John the Baptist and Jesus's ministries looked very different outwardly, but inwardly, they served the same God and the same purpose--creating a path to salvation for all mankind. Kingdom work does not have one appearance, but one Spirit. Those intent on rejecting God and His wisdom will not accept any package the Holy Spirit presents in.

Wisdom or God is justified by the fruit it produces. Both Jesus' and John's ministries produced good kingdom fruit. John led people to repentance and prepared their hearts for Jesus' arrival. Jesus led people to the Father.

God's work is diverse without losing unity.

God created each of us with differences that go beyond our skintone, and He uses those differences to reach people in different ways. Our differences are not something to control or change but to recognize as part of God's plan to expand His kingdom. We all have different functions and gifts for a reason. There is beauty and purpose in our diversity.