We recognize the difference between the core of some object and its outward appearances.

• We understand that the color of a car has little to do with its core qualities of providing safe and reliable transportation. Color has little to do with how well a car performs on the road.
• Whether my winter coat buttons or zips up is peripheral to the issue of how well it keeps me warm.
• Dark brown siding covers my neighbor’s house, while mine is red brick, yet we know neither siding nor brick has much to do with what makes a house a home.
• The harsh, rough exterior of a pineapple contrasts with the sweet fruit that lies below the surface.

So we say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” That makes me think about what the world sees about my faith.

Many people in our society find fault with clear teachings of Christianity on matters such as abortion, marriage and divorce, homosexuality, worship, and justice. We read  about their objections in the media. I do not believe we should retreat or change our views.

Yet, the core of Christianity gives meaning and significance to all these issues. We should grieve if the world sees only the cover and never reads the book.   Listen to what the Bible calls the core issues

• For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well (Matthew 6:33).
• Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:27).
• And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

We root our faith in the deep concerns of God voiced in the passages above. We do well to invite the watching world to see the core because we all know there’s more to a book than the cover.