We are all different! This is a fact. Even if you have an identical twin sibling, you are still different, why do both of you have different names? God made us to have our distinct individualities. We all have our peculiar features, strengths, weaknesses, fears, faiths, mindsets, opinions etc.
We come from different backgrounds, have different levels of educations, have different experiences and have different expectations. We can rightly say that we interpret things differently and we also act in our very unique ways too.
Having known, seen and acknowledged the above differences, I have asked myself why we get upset when we see people acting differently from us or from our expectations from them. Why do we criticize people who behave differently from us? Why are we uncomfortable being with people who are different from us?
Laws, rules, principles, standards, values have been put in place to ensure that within our differences, there is something that unites us all towards a common goal. This is why in different groups, families, organizations etc. there are rules and values guiding our behaviors to ensure that even in our differences, we are all working together towards a common goal.
A vital key to the success of a group or an association is the realization that we can achieve much more or have a unique advantage if we learn to accept our diversities and harness it towards achieving greater capabilities, possibilities and successes. As individuals, we should really accept that not everyone thinks, analyses, acts and behaves like us. We should accept that each person has their strengths and weaknesses. We should recognize that we are bound by codes and value systems of the society that we belong in.
I advocate that we focus on identifying/ understanding our differences, and look for ways of utilizing this towards our common good and also to making a difference in the society.
In any society you find yourself in, do not just focus on what differentiates you but look for how you can use this distinctness to make a positive impact to yourself, to others and the society as a whole. Let’s not criticize these differences as it brings about unnecessary conflicts, divisions and an unhealthy environment.
There are different churches in the world. Christianity came based on the belief in God and his words as stated in the Bible. There are different interpretation of God’s words in the bible and this is also because of our diversity as a people. The Bible also advocates that we should also seek to receive the holy spirit who will also guide us in all truths and to God’s interpretations and expectations from us. As long as we are in this earthly body, we will all have our ways of interpretations, but if we focus on condemnations, criticisms and pointing fingers, we will lose the essence of our call to love and bear with one another.
Let’s recognize that there is unity in diversity. This unity comes in the form of understanding that we all have a common goal. Acknowledging our individual distinctness and focusing on how we can applaud and celebrate this would be for our good and it will make our environment a thriving one. As Christians, God has called us to be at peace with all men, We can achieve this by acknowledging that we are one in God’s sight. No one is greater and no one is weaker! We are all unique in our differences.
