Christian Values

What follows is a letter I wrote to Jesus relating to Christian values.  It is like a prayer.  I love to talk with Him about anything, whether it is something sad or happy.  I love being with Him.

Imagining, and searching hearts

Dear Jesus,

I am imagining an ocean.  I’m standing on a ridge watching waves roll into shore.  My eyes can only see blue swells migrating from sea.  But your eyes see and know all that lies below them.

My knowledge is limited.  As with this ocean, I can only see what lies on the surface of those around me.  I can’t look into their hearts.

But you can.  And you do.  You said, “I, the Lord, search the hearts.”

Jesus, I don’t understand what is going on in the hearts of many of my Christian brothers and sisters.  It is not for me to judge them as you have taught.  But you also said those who are spiritual judge all things.  And that we will know people by the fruit in their lives.

You’ve heard the words “Christian values.”  I’d like to talk with you about that.

Our president and Christian values

Some people don’t like our president because they don’t think he shares their “Christian values.”

Maybe you can help me understand.  What Christian values are missing in holding Bible studies at the White House, praying before cabinet meetings, having a Christian vice president, defending the lives of the unborn, setting black prisoners free, appointing conservative judges, defending religious freedom for all religions around the world and taking up the cause of those who are persecuted for their faith, fighting for freedom of speech on college campuses, standing with the people and city where our Judeo-Christian faith originated, defeating ISIS so Christians can return to their homes in Iraq, seeking a dialogue and peace with North Korea, and acknowledging God as our Supreme Ruler and the Creator of all?

President Trump Meets with Survivors of Religious Persecution:

In spite of his faults, you have given us this president, haven’t you?  Those Christians who do not feel this way seem to forget that you still use them in spite of their faults.

But there is something very troubling about all this.  Some who claim they are my brothers and sisters have no problem calling sixty to seventy million human beings “politics.”  And they are the ones who like to talk about “Christian values.”

Is this any reflection on their relationship with you?

Let me explain what I mean with a simple question.

Christian values: sharing the values of Jesus

Aren’t “Christian values” a reflection of your values, Lord Jesus?  Can we walk with you if we don’t share your values?  As the Word says: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

The Bible is very clear about your values.

You are concerned about orphans and widows and those who are outcasts.  You dwell with the lowliest among us and feel the pain of those who are the least esteemed.  Children are the subjects and the joy of your kingdom.  “Babes” are the heralds of your praise.  You regard what is done to them as something done to you personally.  Someone who offends them, you say, is better off if they sink to the bottom of the sea with a millstone around their neck.  That’s how you feel about that.  You take the poor and needy by the hand and lift them out of the dunghill, and you heal the brokenhearted.  You set captives free.  The powerless and our most vulnerable in a womb are the objects of your personal care.  You gently lead those with young and carry lambs in your bosom.

These are your values.

(James 1:27; John 9:35; Isa. 57:15; Matt. 25:40; Mark 10:14; Matt. 21:16; 18:5; Ps. 113:7; Isa. 61:1; Luke 1:48,52; Ps. 139:13-16; Isa. 44:2; Gal. 1:15; Isa. 40:11.)

No politics; just a desire to live

The unborn have no political affiliation.  They cannot vote.  They cannot shout or march with signs seeking social justice.  But their mothers have no problem carrying signs that condemn them.

They don’t have a “choice,” do they?  Funny.  Isn’t it?  In a world where choice is so important.  No voice, no choice, I guess.  But they would like to live, like anyone else.  It shouldn’t be hard to figure that out.  So, what kind of “Christian values” refuse to support a president who is a voice for them?  Lord Jesus, how can these be your people?  You know I’m not asking an empty question.

And yet I will continue to love and pray for them, though I’m not always sure if they are truly my brothers and sisters, and that we share the same faith.

© James Unruh 2019 and beyond

Learn more: Disregard for the Word of God