America is a diverse nation. Politically, there are small government folks and those that believe in big government. There are democrats and republicans, conservatives and liberals, right-wing and left-wing activists. Different ethnicities and religions add to the dynamic. Then there are the various media. All have an agenda and speak a unique language. Clarity across the diverse lines can be challenging.

Since our founding, man’s will in man’s strength has stirred up factions that in turn stir up confusion. Recently in the same week, we have seen one black man, George Floyd, that was evidently killed by a bad cop, and another black man, Dave Patrick Underwood, a federal officer that was gunned down while on duty by an unidentified person shooting from a car. Factions that highlight one tragedy while ignoring the other, stir up confusion. Clarity in the midst of confusion is what Jesus exemplified from the cross. He knew it was the devil who stirs up confusion when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” - Luke 23:34. Only when we walk in God’s will in God’s strength is there clarity in this world.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. – Acts 2:1-6. At Pentecost, the Lord provided clarity through the Holy Spirit where there had been confusion since the Tower of Babel. Documented in Genesis 11, the tower was representative of man’s will being done in man’s strength – the early religious life. God introduced different languages to confound the people and bring the project to a halt. At Pentecost, God bridged across the different languages being spoken because His will was to be done in His strength. Peter proclaimed the good news of Jesus the Christ and it was heard by all in their own language - 3000 were added to their number that day. God glorified Himself in the midst of confusion and their diversity.

Today’s towers of Babel are many – political parties, opinions, agendas and special interest groups. Too often, all reflect man’s will in man’s strength and speak different languages. The call is to glorify God in the diversity that is the United States of America. In the power of the resurrected Christ and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to proclaim the good news for all to hear in their own language, and provide clarity in the midst of confusion and diversity.

Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word, for Your Son and for the Holy Spirit. I have sought clarity in my own strength through the confusion of life. The focus was on me and my cause, not You. Forgive me. Strengthen me with the power of the resurrected Christ and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to provide the clarity needed to glorify You where You have me, and pass the baton of faith well to the next generation. Amen.

A faithful father honors diversity and provides clarity to the glory of the Father.