We live in a world where personal, cultural, religious, and political differences among people are being highlighted through the media daily. Most people agree that these differences exist, and that they create problems which set people at odds with one another. While various efforts are being made to address and try to solve these problems, it seems that two predominant models have developed and become the center of attention. I use the word model, because it represents a particular life style or traits that are being presented and reproduced within culture and seen as normative. First there is the model of the “Melting Pot,” and then there is the one of “Polarization.” The “Melting Pot Model” encourages people to have a dialog with one another about their differences in order to understand each other’s ideas and beliefs. Another way this can work is by coordinating people together under a common project that provides them an opportunity to work together. Both ways have the expectation that when people with differences work together at something, their differences will somehow dissolve. It often can, but for a short time. The problem is… people still hold to their ideas and beliefs, and these will usually surface and create new controversy when they are confronted within a given situation. The “Polarizing Model” seeks to present an over exaggerated and extreme contrast between people’s differences. We see this daily on the news…when people strongly disagree with someone else’s views and project the idea that… either you must totally agree with me or you must treat me as an enemy whom you hate. This only accentuates people’s differences and drives them further apart. The reality is… both models, in one degree or another, are asking people to ignore or deny their differences. This removes people from the opportunity to learn how to be respectful in light of their differences, and how to collaborate in their life at work and in society. Christians are called to bring their influence among the many diverse ideas and beliefs at the workplace. They should not be threatened by this but see it as an opportunity. It is important that we understand clearly how God’s ideas and ways are different. However, different does not mean that we come across impersonal or act offensive toward certain people. We can and should have genuine concern for all people, both for those who share and agree with our ideas and beliefs and for those who don’t. And we can and should be engaging with the ones who don’t. Instead of rudely objecting to their beliefs, we should learn to ask genuine and caring questions about their beliefs and why they hold to such. Though some people may feel challenged by what Christians believe and how they conduct themselves differently at times, it will only affirm the image of God that they themselves bare as well. Actually, the Christian faith is the most sound and reasonable of beliefs. It does not pose a threat to the workplace, instead it actually gives work its greatest purpose in the most practical and healthy ways. In a world where people’s differences cause polarizing effects, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a liberating message. It alone has the ability to break down dividing walls that people have constructed to separate themselves from one another. The message we bring to people does not derive its worth from making the opposition look as bad as possible… instead it offers mercy and forgiveness for all. (PMC) “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:10)