The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Sounds simple enough, right? It is so much more complicated, at least it would seem that way. We believe that this means anything to do with interaction, and how we are treating people when they are standing right next to us. That in itself, some find horribly difficult, but it is all too easy to push the Golden Rule aside when those "others" are no longer around.

None of us enjoys finding out we've been the unfortunate topic of someone's negative conversation, yet we have all done it. We get frustrated with a person, we get upset if their opinions differ from our own, and make assumptions about them, talk about them, and the Golden Rule flies right out the window. No one is perfect. That is why we all tend to annoy each other from time to time. But my goodness, we all need to try a little bit harder.

I don't think that everyone needs to think the same, be the same, act the same, or believe in the same things. What a boring world that would be! So, we are all different. God made us all uniquely different, and for that we can't stop bad mouthing each other. It's ironic, isn't it? Religion preaches love, while the world preaches tolerance, and we all fall short of both.

Everyone wants to be loved. I for one would much rather be loved than tolerated, but if tolerance is the best the world can offer, than shouldn't it be better at it? Everyone is crying out for more tolerance; religions, races, sexual orientations, political parties. We are all pots calling the kettles black.

Speaking from a personal perspective, most of you know that I don't mind a healthy debate. I believe they can be very informative. I welcome other opinions. I would never judge someone for their beliefs. Everyone has their own reasons for believing what they believe, as do I. And I believe that you can be passionate about what you believe in without being mean and disrespectful to those with opinions unlike yours. What I really have difficulty with; however, is when people become cruel, and judgmental...when they've taken their passions so far that they've forgotten to afford others the very love and tolerance which they accuse others of denying them. I get really tired of the double standard where tolerance is concerned. I've seen, all over the internet today, people calling Elisabeth Hasselbeck, of The View,, an idiot (or worse) for her opinions about the federal funding for Planned Parenthood. She was nothing but respectful, and raised relevant and legitimate questions and concerns. But she has a different opinion, and so that makes her an "idiot."

Listen, there is no doubt in my mind that Planned Parenthood provides many excellent services for women in need. I am well aware that the majority of their services are not, in fact, abortions, but a percentage of abortions, no matter how small, is still a percentage that is receiving our tax dollars. Calling Christians who do not believe in abortions for religious reasons, "Bible Thumping, intolerant fanatics", is not very tolerant. Calling Elisabeth Hasselbeck names because she expressed the concerns of many Christians and otherwise conservative people, across the country, is a touch hypocritical at best.

When a Muslim man is asked to remove his turban to go through airport security, just as anyone one of us might have to remove our hats or shoes or coats, the country gets bent out of shape, claiming racial profiling, or stating that it's an infringement of his religious freedoms, and maybe so. But when Christians protest their tax dollars going toward something that they are strongly convicted against because of their religious beliefs, it's reported as idiotic, fanatical, and judgmental.

In a similar way, I often hear complaints or concerns about Christian parents wanting to home school their children in order to raise them in what they believe. It is frowned upon, and thought to be unfair to the child to have to be taught what the parents believe. Never mind that all parents do that in one way or another. No matter how religious or not, parents are raising their children up in the way that they believe. That's their prerogative as parents. But the Christians are just fanatics.

I'm not saying that I'm perfect or that Christians are perfect, because that would be far from the truth. But we all need to take a step back, begin practicing what we preach, and listen to that Golden Rule that most people from all walks of life try to teach their children. Name calling is unacceptable, immature, and intolerant. It negates your intelligence, no matter how educated you might be, and it draws attention away from the point you are actually trying to make. I'm not writing this to be accusatory or controversial. I want to be better at the Golden Rule myself. I genuinely want to strive to be a better person, and I want the same things for this world. Your beliefs, political stances, lifestyle choices, etc., do not offend me. I respect that those are your opinions and decisions. I merely ask for the same consideration and respect for my opinions, and those who represent my opinions.

I am passionate about Jesus. I tend to lean toward the conservative side of most things for that reason. That is just who I am. I have friends from all walks of life, most of which I think understand that. I know that I can't force my beliefs down anyone's throat and I wouldn't try. However, I would be remiss if I didn't say that I do want that passion for everyone. Of course I do! I care for my God, and I care for people. What kind of person would I be if I didn't want to share what I am so passionate about with others? That doesn't mean I judge you, your choices, your opinions, or anything about you. It simply means that I love you enough to share with you what brings me so much joy. Please think about that the next time someone tries to share their beliefs with you, no matter how awkwardly they might do so. I know I never speak as well as I write, and my writing is debatable. Just know that everything I say or write comes from the heart, and comes out of love. I write what's on my heart, and what I'm passionate about. I don't expect everyone to agree with me. I just request a certain amount of respect and the tolerance of which this world preaches.