day 2297: Inclusion

“Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.”

Corporate America has long talked about the importance of diversity and inclusion, but from the backlash from the myriad of sexual harassment charges popping up, it might finally be time that real actions get taken.  I’ve long encouraged those who are in decision making roles to start with turning inclusion from a nice to have to a “must have to succeed” emphasis.  You see, once you need an inclusion committed culture, then you find your way to diversity.  But, if you can’t even accept the differences in each other, when we look alike or come from similar backgrounds, etc. then how can we ever expect that our cultures will be welcoming to those who are diverse.  It was Abraham Lincoln who summed up inclusion the best: “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”

Has any King ever been more inclusive than Jesus?  He walked and dined with the poor, downtrodden and the sinners. He started from a place of inclusion and then challenged the rest of us to be the same.  But, we find it hard to be comfortable outside of our tight circle of friends and similar co-workers.  What would happen if we were the ones to start a cross-cut of our workplace socializing.  I know, it’s early, but since the department stores are already telling us that it is Christmas time, how about we start thinking now about how we could use the season that marks the birth of our Lord to be inclusive beyond our normal inclinations?  A new kind of office party?

Reference:  Matthew 9:10 (New Living Translation)