Truth Leads Us to Life

Teach truth. When I came to Summit five and a half years ago, I fell in love with the vision. I fell in love with it because it wasn’t just words, it was a vision in action—being lived out inside and outside the walls of a building. Summit’s vision is to form biblically functioning communities that reach lost people, connect in Christ-centered relationships, teach truth, serve others, and worship God.

As I looked to begin living out the vision, I found myself skipping over the “teach truth” portion. I would say, “That’s for the person speaking on Sundays.” I assumed that it was only that person’s responsibility to teach truth.

As I continued to be challenged by the truth in our vision, I was reminded of a verse I had learned way back in Sunday school. “Yo soy el camino, la verdad, y la vida...” Juan 14:6a. I remembered it in Spanish because that was how I learned it. It’s John 14:6a: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This verse reminded me that truth is not a set of propositions, but a person. Truth is the person of Jesus.

This verse also reminded me that truth is risky. It’s not risky because I have to have all the answers; it’s risky because truth invites me into a relationship and asks me to surrender all—it asks for total commitment.

Ultimately truth leads us to life—a life more abundant than we could ever deserve. Jesus said, “I came so that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

That’s why teaching truth is the responsibility of every follower of Jesus. We are charged with sharing the truth that came to us, the truth that is in us, and the truth that has given us new life.

We don’t need to be on a stage and have a microphone to do that. Each day we have the opportunity to share truth in word and deed at home, work, and school, with family, friends, and co-workers.

As we celebrate Summit’s 12th anniversary and take time to look at the vision God has called us to, I must confess, I’m still in awe of the stories He continues to write and the lives He continues to transform.

There’s more work to be done, but we can trust that the Truth is faithful!