"To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater."

When we are young, our families teach us the golden rule. We are taught to treat others as we would want to be treated. But do we forget that as we get older? God commands us not to conform to the ways of this world.

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 

God tells us here not to conform to the ways of the world. But I also think He is telling us not to conform to what others think of us or expect of us. Everybody is different. God created all of us differently. Whether it's a cultural difference, an economic difference, or simply maybe just a difference in keeping house. Not everybody  We shouldn't feel pressured to conform to the ways of our peers or feel guilty for doing things differently.

Close to 200 years or more ago all of our ancestors immigrated to America from somewhere else. Yet, we act like it is wrong for people today to move here from different countries. We act like they should conform to our culture. Yes, we should be able to communicate with them. But we should also encourage them not to abandon their culture. Actually why don't we go the extra mile and be willing to learn about their culture.

That is not the only cultural difference though. Cultural differences also include background differences, economical differences, and geographical differences. Geographical differences doesn't necessarily mean they are from a different country. A geographical difference could be the difference between New York and Tennessee. Or a geographical difference could just be two different parts of town. But that is still no reason to judge or look down on someone.

As a student studying to teach infants through preschoolers I know there is no chance that all the children I will teach will be the same. Does that mean I should expect them to agree with what I believe and do things exactly as I do them? No, I should respect their differences and be willing to learn about why they do things the way they do. Families should feel comfortable with me teaching their children. And, even to those children whose native country is different from mine, I should be willing to learn about their country and their home language.

Do we judge and look down on others who are different from us? Do we expect others to agree with our views? Why? We're all humans. Ever since the tower of Babble humans have spoken different languages and  shared different perceptions. By looking down on others we are not showing God's love to others. No matter where a person grew up, what kind of home life they had, what their economic status is, what their education level is, or what they believe they still deserve our respect. God created them, just as He created us. What has happened to the golden rule?