Family Talk

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton concludes his discussion with Jeff Myers, about the goals that Summit Ministries has for each of the young adults that come through their doors. Jeff explained that not only are Summit Ministries committed to anchoring young adults in their biblical worldview, but to steep each young life in the whole flow of history from God’s perspective. He stated that our lives are not governed by fate and noted, “We are not victims! God has placed us here on this planet at this particular time to bring about His greater glory. To bring blessing and flourishing to the nations. When young adults get a hold of that message and they know the truth and they learn how to discern the counterfeit worldviews that would set them aside from the truth, incredible things happen in their lives!”

When Dr. Clinton asked if there is a hunger for truth?” Jeff explained that the hunger for purpose outweighs the hunger for truth. Young adults are plagued with questions like, “What does my life mean?” and “Do I have purpose?” There are high levels of anxiety and low levels of purpose. Jeff added that when he asked the students if they would like to be the sort of person who serves others and makes a difference in the world, the majority of them responded with interest and wanted to know more. He continued to explain that the beauty of a biblical worldview is that it teaches our youth that they are personally made in the image of a loving heavenly Father who designed each of them specifically. Jeff stated, “God allows you to go through difficult things because He is shaping you into the image of His Son.” He continued, “When young women get a hold of that, their confidence grows, and their desire to compare themselves begins to diminish. They come out with a mindset to want to serve and love others rather than to just shrivel and protect themselves.”

Dr. Clinton then referred to Jeff’s new book, Truth Changes Everything: How People of Faith Can Transform the World in Times of Crisis. In it, he discussed the Renaissance period and how it parallels much of what we are experiencing today, plagues were running rampant. But then came the reclamation of truth. Jeff explained that in 1349 the Black Plague claimed the lives of approximately one third to half of the European population. He added that surprisingly, instead of causing people to blame God and turn away from Him, people began to realize that Jesus was right there, suffering with them. It changed people’s perspective. It brought art to life. It changed the direction and development of medical care. It has transformed the lives of billions of people since that time. Jeff continued, “Your perspective will completely transform if you realize, ‘I am going through this because God is strengthening me for some great cause.’ Therefore, how you understand these trials and what you are able to do as a result, also completely transforms.”

Dr. Clinton asked, “How do we disciple our children with truth?” Jeff stated that it’s God’s design for us to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that the Lord is in control of everything. Just like Jesus was tempted in the desert, we all have those desert moments in our lives but God has not abandoned us, He wants to be with us. He added, “God hangs out in the deserts of life, equipping people and preparing us to be the ones who, in our generation, can do what these great heroes of history did in theirs.” Jeff closed the program by reiterating the profound impact that Summit Ministries has had on almost one million young people.

For more on this topic, listen to the Family Talk series on The Truth Changes Everything here: Part 1, Part 2