Huge congratulations are in order for you, graduate! In the midst of huge adjustments, you did what needed to be done in order to put a cap on your high school career. So whether you are going off to further your education or staying put and entering the job force locally, here is a word of advice to our graduates as you begin this new stage of life.
1. Plug into community.
It’s too easy to slide into a more comfortable way of living—and to slide out of biblical community. This applies to those who are staying close to home as much as it concerns those who are relocating to new cities far away. Remain close to those who will encourage you in uncertainty, call you out in sin, and carry your burdens when the load is too much for one person to bear. 1 John 1:7 reminds us: “If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
2. Commit yourself to truth.
A word of advice to our graduates: pursue the truth always. New world views and lifestyles are a good thing. But when doubts arise and new questions surface, reach out to those you trust in the faith. Then, make space for honest dialogue to occur. Remember, you do not have to be afraid of the truth of the gospel. We reminded by Jesus’ words in John 8:31-32: “If you continue in my Word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
3. Be sensitive to what the Lord is doing.
Some of you may have an idea of what your future holds, but for many of you, this new era will be a brand-new adventure! Whether it’s deciding on your college major or a new job offer you may wish to take, new opportunities will inevitably open up for you. Just remember that regardless of your career or education, its main purpose is to serve as a tool for making the gospel of Jesus Christ known to the outside world and solidified within those in your circle of influence.
The Lord will use these tools to plant you in spaces that provide opportunities to share His love on campus, in the break room, and everywhere in-between. Don’t be so future-focused that you forsake the grand occasion to share the gospel with someone around you. Acts 1:8 says that “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.“ No matter what, you are witnessing to something as you go through the ins and outs of this new journey; may you be speaking and demonstrating the truths of the gospel as you are going.
We celebrate you!
In light of the past year, we commend you for moving forward! May you feel encouraged, cared for, and prayed over in the new days to come. A final word of advice to our graduates: this is only the beginning! The Lord can and will do great works through your faithful obedience to Him and His Word.