Core Values
Prayer—James writes, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16, KJV).
Fervent prayer to God through Jesus Christ is most critical to the mission and vision of United America. Prayer not only has the potential to change circumstances and situations, it also has the power to change the person offering the prayers. Several reasons why prayer is most critical:
- We acknowledge our reliance upon God in executing the vision and mission. (John 15:5-7)
- Growing a vibrant prayer life personally and corporately is vital in cultivating a godly hunger and zeal that contributes to character development. (1 Thes. 5:17; Eph. 6:18)
- Prayer is essential due to the reality of spiritual warfare. As we know from the Scriptures, there is a spiritual world that has an influence upon our natural world. Prayer is a powerful tool to push back against spiritual darkness and achieve God’s purposes. (Eph. 6:12-18; Mark 9:14-29; Dan. 10:1-14; Luke 18:1-8).
Discipline—Paul writes, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7, NASB).
In order to reach any goal, self-imposed discipline is required. This is crucial when we consider our nature as humans. We all have a sinful nature that consistently needs to be denied. Cultivating godly character requires the discipline of denying fleshly desires while also growing in the spiritual disciplines (prayer, worship, Bible reading, etc.). Moreover, discipline is also required to attain “big-picture” goals. Procrastination, laziness, pride, unrepentant sin, etc., can sap individual and corporate passion and determination in achieving the goals that are set. (1 Tim. 4:7; Pro. 3:12; 1 Cor. 9:24-27)
Unity—Paul writes,
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Php. 2:1-2, ESV).
Unifying around a specific purpose with practicality while connecting as a team is exciting and powerful. On the one hand, we have in view bringing forth godly transformation in our state, region, and nation in multiple ways. On the other hand, we have the opportunity to build rich, meaningful relationships that transcend race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc. Therefore, this core value is critical to the mission of United America (1 Cor. 12).
Integrity—David writes, “But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever” (Psa. 41:12, ESV).
When one thinks of integrity, one generally concludes doing the right thing when no one is looking. Integrity is a bit more vast and encompassing. This term speaks of “innocence, blamelessness; chastity, purity, soundness, wholeness, completeness, purity, correctness, and blamelessness.” Couple that with the term “grit,” which may convey “rub, grind, spirit, firmness of mind.”
These descriptions capture the “inner grit” (integrity) of a person. Hence, integrity is formed when we can overcome our weaknesses in its variations. This includes doing the right thing when no one is looking but more so communicates the foundation of character. (Psa. 25:21; 26:1; 78:72; Pro. 11:3; 20:7; Job 27:5)
Founding Father Samuel Adams once stated in a letter written on February 12, 1779,
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when they lose their virtue they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader… If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security.”
In an essay written in 1749 in the Public Advertiser, he wrote,
“Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.”
Teachableness/Humility—Solomon writes, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning” (Prov. 9:9, ESV).
As humans, we all fall short of being omniscient. However, increasing in knowledge and wisdom is essential to growing in godliness. The foundational ingredient for growth is humility. A teachable spirit is essential to growing in godliness regardless of professional experience, educational credentials, age, etc.
United America will be providing training on various topics involving the study of government, the Constitution, leadership, biblical studies, Christian education (Principle Approach), etc. We hope these training opportunities not only build a knowledge base but also deepen convictions that assist in shaping godly character.
Truthfulness—Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV).
Solomon writes, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Prov. 14:12, ESV).
Our society has become inundated with moral relativism, which has manifested in various forms in our educational institutions, culture, and in the Church. This relativistic approach to truth reveals itself in our culture through post-modernism, the social justice movement, the LGBT movement, etc., which is designed to undermine Judeo-Christian principles.
Truth is essential. Without truth, trust cannot be established. This value expresses itself largely in our dissemination of information, whether in written or spoken form. Since many of our premier institutions have much dishonesty and outright deceit, we must not imitate their behavior and therefore lose credibility. Although this is a core value, it should not be used in such a way as to “brow-beat” or belittle. Truth being spoken in love should be our goal when engaging in conversation regarding our mission. (John 14:6; Prov. 12:22; 14:12; Psa. 11:3; 119:160; Eph. 6:14; John 4:24; 8:32)
