Conviction and respect are essential, despite a growing cultural trend that points its finger at strongly held beliefs as problem-causers.
That's the message from Randy Gariss, a former pastor from Joplin, who was the featured speaker at Thursday's Missouri Governor's Prayer Breakfast.
The director of the Life and Ministry Preparation Center for Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Gariss is a returning guest speaker, having also shared a message in 2012.
Gariss shared two essential "building blocks to humanity" - be anchored in the sacred and respect religious liberty.
Noting the world's diversity, he said it is important to live with wisdom, thought and grace, building bridges not barricades.
Although in a pluralistic society individuals may come to different conclusions, Gariss encouraged faith and political leaders to hold to their beliefs while meeting disagreements with decency and respect.
"Find your own sacred," he said. "When I met Jesus Christ, it changed everything."
But, while standing firmly on his Christian faith, Gariss said he also embraces opportunities to interact with people with different worldviews.
For example, after the Joplin mosque was burned twice in 2012, Gariss and the youth he works with reached out to support the Muslim community.
"Belief must have conviction and grace," he said.
Gariss shared the warnings of the late sociologist Philip Rieff, who warned without the sacred, humanity will turn into arrogant monsters with nothing to restrain them.
At the same time, in recognition of religious liberty, "wrong people do not lose their worth and value as a human being," Gariss said.
With roles of influence, he challenged leaders to model the pursuit of the sacred combined with a respect for others. While separation between government and religion is fair, "divorce would be far worse," he said.
Gariss strongly encouraged public officials not to hide their faith during public service.
"Yes, it will cause problems; but don't put your faith back in the closet," he said. "Plant your feet on something you can stand on, and go love your neighbor."
The Rev. Doyle Sager, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, said he was pleased with the ability Gariss had to speak truth to the influential people gathered at the traditional breakfast.
"Because of what he's done in Joplin (particularly in the aftermath of the 2011 tornado), I think he had the moral authority to say it," Sager said. "He was spot on in terms of a deeply moral message; I loved the balance between conviction and kindness."
In previous years, Sager observed state politics perennially turns "nasty" not long after the "nice" early interactions, such as the breakfast.
"I walked away today thinking maybe he said something only he can say and maybe it will make a difference," Sager said.