Wisdom For Graduates
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1, 2
Graduation is an exciting time. It marks an important accomplishment. It marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. There is reason to celebrate. Congratulations!
The next phase will certainly come with challenges. Financial investment firms often make the disclaimer: “Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.” The same can be said for the transition from one stage of life to another. If you had a positive and affirming experience in high school, it does not guarantee the same for college. You go into a different environment that will present new challenges. You will find some of your beliefs, attitudes, and relationships tested. Past results are not a guarantee of future success.
On the other hand, a difficult experience in high school does not mean the same will be true in college or in your work experience. New beginnings make for fresh starts. Transitions give us the opportunity to take what we have learned, both good and bad, and chart a new path. New ventures mean new environments, new opportunities, and new relationships. This can be very good.
One of the keys to success in any new venture is our relationships. It is important to find friendships with others who have similar beliefs and values. Remember the advice of scripture: “Bad company corrupts good morals” (I Corinthians 15:33). Where do you find good relationships? There are some obvious places, such as the dorm in which you live. I also encourage you to search out Christian fellowship, either in a good campus ministry or a local church. We never outgrow the need for Christian fellowship. We hope that one lesson you have learned from your time in our congregation is the importance of a connection with the church. We hope that when you grow up you will be a lifelong, active member of Christ’s church wherever you live. Find a group of Christians with whom to relate. They will encourage you in your faith.
Here is some advice for how to navigate the waters of a new adventure:
• Get up every morning and make your bed. It will be one thing you will be able to accomplish first thing each day.
• Look to make friends with people you like and with whom you have similar values. You don’t need to be liked by everyone or fit into every group. Find some good people to hang out with. Be a good friend and it will help you make good friends.
• Study. If you are in school, study your subjects. If you are in a new job, study to do it well. Knowledge has benefits for its own sake. You don’t think learning Roman history is relevant but, at the very least, it makes you a more interesting person. The better you learn your lessons, the better job you will get coming out of school.
• One good goal is to find one area of knowledge and become an expert in it. Look for an area of knowledge and try to excel in it. Try to know more than almost anyone else. This will make you employable and boost your self-esteem.
• Finally, trust in God. Seek after God. Grow in your knowledge of God. Just as you are learning subjects in school, you need to learn more about God. You don’t know all you should know about God yet. Read books and study with others. There is more to learn than you can imagine.
We are proud of our graduates. You always have a place in our prayers, hearts, and church.