DIFFERENCES: The Key to Growth

“We learn the most when we surround ourselves with people that are NOT like us. Put another way, we learn the absolute least when we surround ourselves with people who are just like us.”

I’ve often reflected on the power of that thought. I discovered it when I was invited to a unique dinner with a friend, Dr Ming Wang, a Chinese-born, world class eye surgeon that currently lives in Nashville, TN. Why was I with him? Because I was seeking out inspiring individuals whose perspectives and experiences I couldn’t find or replicate anywhere else. I volunteered to help him at the time.

Think about it: every single person on this planet is uniquely different. No one has your exact combination of experiences, perspectives, or talents. Isn’t that incredible? It’s a clear design, not a coincidence. God didn’t create us to live in echo chambers but to engage with and learn from a tapestry of diversity.

Notably, this is not a lecture on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) —one designed to spark division or unnecessarily focus on race—because that approach often fails to be productive and unifying. We can’t win hearts and minds with criticism of one another. Instead, this is a simple truth we need to convey about the profound GROWTH VALUE of embracing different perspectives to foster greater understanding.

The Growth Opportunity in Differences

If we limit ourselves to interacting only with those who share our views, values, and habits, we’re essentially limiting our potential for growth. It’s comfortable to surround ourselves with people who affirm our beliefs or think the way we do, but comfort rarely fosters transformation. Growth happens when we are stretched, challenged, and exposed to ideas and perspectives that shake our assumptions.

Differences teach us things we could never learn on our own. They refine us. They sharpen our understanding of the world, give us greater empathy, and reveal opportunities we might have overlooked. For leaders, business owners, and community advocates, embracing differences can lead to innovative solutions, stronger teams, and deeper connections.

A Spiritual Perspective on Differences

I believe the differences we see in humanity is no accident; it’s a testament to God’s boundless creativity. Out of billions of people, no two are identical. If God had intended us to be the same, He would have made us carbon copies—but instead, He crafted each of us uniquely, with intention and purpose. We’re each a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. When we lean into differences—whether in personality, culture, or opinion—we experience a deeper sense of God’s design and purpose for humanity.

The Bible often speaks of unity in diversity. For example, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 explains the Church as one body with many parts, each with unique functions. Similarly, Romans 12:4-6 describes the diverse gifts within the body of Christ, each contributing to the whole. The hand isn’t the same as the foot, nor should it be. Differences don’t make us weaker; they make us stronger when we work together.

So, what’s more aligned with a growth mindset and a godly perspective: surrounding ourselves with people who are just like us or intentionally engaging with those who are different? I think the answer is clear.

How to Embrace Differences in Your Life

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Join a group, volunteer somewhere or attend an event where you’re likely to meet people from different backgrounds or with different perspectives.
Practice Active Listening: Instead of focusing on your response, truly absorb the environment, and then listen to understand another person’s or group’s point of view.
Seek Out Mentors and Friends Who Challenge You: Growth happens when we’re pushed to see things differently. Volunteer somewhere unique.
Celebrate Diversity in everything you do: Whether in the workplace, with friends or community, intentionally hire or collaborate with team members and groups who bring varied skills, experiences, and viewpoints. This approach not only enhances creativity and problem-solving but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation that drives success.
Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Don’t shy away from discussing complex or controversial topics. Approach these conversations with curiosity, not judgment. Ask more questions than offer opinions.

A Challenge to You

What if you intentionally spent the next month surrounding yourself with people who are different from you? For example, consider attending the Tennessee Immigrant Minority Business Group (info at TIMBG.org), Hispanic Organization for Leaders and Achievers at HOLATN.org, Men of Valor, a Prison Ministry at men-of-valor.org or Brentwood’s Noon Rotary. Seek out voices you don’t typically hear, perspectives that make you think twice, and experiences that challenge your worldview. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

I highly recommend learning about the Common Ground Network as well, started by Dr Ming Wang and Dr Rice Broocks.

Differences aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities. They’re the threads that create the rich fabric of our communities, businesses, and faith. Even Jesus demonstrated this by engaging with people from all walks of life, including those often marginalized by society. He dined with tax collectors, conversed with a Samaritan woman at the well, and healed individuals others deemed untouchable. These actions weren’t merely symbolic but intentional, teaching us the value of embracing diversity to foster love, understanding, and growth.

For those who may not believe in Jesus as a savor, consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was instrumental in leading India to independence through his philosophy of non-violent resistance, known as satyagraha. He worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between different religious and cultural groups in India, emphasizing the importance of unity and understanding. Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence and his ability to work across religious, cultural, and political lines to challenge colonial rule exemplify the power of embracing differences. His willingness to engage with people who opposed or misunderstood him brought about unity and monumental change, reminding us that collaboration with those unlike ourselves can lead to transformative outcomes.

For atheists, look to the example of Carl Sagan, the renowned scientist and author. Sagan celebrated the diversity of thought and human creativity, often emphasizing the importance of skepticism, open dialogue, and scientific inquiry. He played a pivotal role in popularizing science through his groundbreaking series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,” which brought together complex scientific ideas in a way that transcended cultural and intellectual boundaries. Additionally, his efforts to promote the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project highlighted the value of global collaboration, showing how embracing diverse perspectives could drive humanity to explore the unknown and expand our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

Let’s lean into differences, learn from them, and embrace the growth they bring.

Because in the end, the greatest lessons—and the greatest blessings—often come from the people and perspectives we least expect.

Ready to embrace a new perspective? At DodsonMC, we believe in fostering growth through collaboration, diversity of thought and experience, plus innovation. Visit DodsonMC to explore how we can help you think differently, act boldly, and grow intentionally.

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