When Christ illuminates the life that’s possible for us, we are never the same. His grace pulls back the veil so we can see His Spirit alive in the world. Suddenly, we notice a joy radiating from those who have been transformed; we are awakened to the brokenness of our past; we realize how desperately we need a Savior. We have seen the wonder of life with Christ, so we resolve to lean on our relationship with Him and cling to the hope of His transforming love.

God’s work is most visible in us — not in textbooks or worksheets. That’s why we lead with vulnerability in our ministry and relationships. Only when we let others in can we discover that we are loved beyond our brokenness. Though it can be uncomfortable to pull back the veil on our lives, it is the way of discipleship and true transformation. The way we live gives witness to what we have seen, so we never let our actions give false testimony. We know from experience that when we fearlessly share the love of God incarnate in our lives we help others be open to the work of God in them.

Jesus’ preaching isn’t what changed the world. (In fact, that’s part of what got Him killed.) Our Church exists because Jesus saw the potential in Simon and invested in his transformation over the long haul. That’s why we leave the 99 for the sake of the one. Every person is worth knowing deeply, from their important moments to their mundane days to their messy realities. We love big by keeping our circle small — that way, no one can hide among the crowd. We ask real questions, enjoy each others’ company, and reach the masses by loving the few in front of us.

There’s a reason Jesus sent out His disciples two-by-two: He knows that we aren’t meant to carry our crosses alone. We know what an honor it is to be let into the suffering of another person’s life, and we take that responsibility seriously by remaining by their side through it all. The sweetest victories are the ones that no one else can see fully, because they were earned in the dark, quiet hours of heartbreak that come before the joyful dawn. We can experience resurrection together because we’ve walked through death together.

When you know abundant life with Jesus and His people, “the way we’ve always done it” just doesn’t cut it. No rigid agenda can ever map out the transformation of a human heart, so we commit ourselves to the dynamism of discipleship. We live our Church’s tradition, not just learn it; we seek the Spirit of the Lord that gives freedom and corrects us when we stray. We love for the long haul — even if it takes an entire lifetime — so that we can spend eternity rejoicing together.