I’ve just finished re-reading Trillia Newbell’s book, United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity (only $2.99 on Kindle today!). It’s an excellent introduction to the duty and delight of building more diversity into our lives and churches. I want to recommend it to you by highlighting ten major lessons I carried away from the book.

1. Biblical diversity is not about theological and moral diversity but rather national, ethnic, and cultural diversity.

2. Diversity is not just to be accepted but is to be pursued on a personal and ecclesiastical level.

3. Diversity happens best through building personal friendships with people not like us.

4. Although diversity is initially more uncomfortable than segregation, and there will be wounds and weariness along the way, there are many rich rewards.

5. Biblical diversity would not only enrich the church but also impact the world as the evident work of God.

6. The Church should be a gracious environment, open to and excited about welcoming people unlike ourselves.

7. Building diversity in the church begins with pastors who are excited about diversity, are willing to build it into their own homes, and make it a priority in the church.

8. Three simple steps we can to take to build diversity into our lives are: (1) Learning history; (2) Talking about diversity with our families; (3) Inviting others into our homes.

9. Just as Jesus sacrificed comfort and his personal preferences in order to unite His people and glorify God, so must we.

10. Biblical diversity looks impossible with men but is possible with God.

I believe this book has life-, church-, and culture-transforming potential. If the beautiful vision of this book ever becomes a widespread reality, I have no doubt we will be in the middle of a tremendous spiritual revival.

David Murray is Professor of Old Testament & Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. This article first appeared on his blog, Head Heart hand, and is used with permission.