Many are the forces that motivate graduates. One important challenge or goal is for personal prominence. Often there is the desire to BE someone, to achieve notoriety. Some seek this glory in business or in the professional realm as athletes, educators, musicians, etc. Others give themselves to the world of politics or social causes. In most cases these decisions about one's occupation after graduation are centered on this life only.
However, among the great number of graduates from schools of learning, we are thankful to say that there are some who count this milestone as one more step in fulfilling the will of God in their lives. They realize that youth is the time to remember the Lord, not only in the matter of salvation, but also in regard to loving service for Him.
If only more young Christians could understand that there are things they can do now which they will not be able to do later. Too many plan their careers with the vague idea of living for Christ sometime in the future, after they have made their money, or when they have retired from business. But God wants the best; He wants all. Nothing can ever make up for the tragedy of a wasted life.
Graduates, do be careful and prayerful when making life choices. It is possible for your soul to be saved and your life to be lost. If you are a devoted Christian, you will consider God's will for your life. Keep your education and college degrees in their proper place. Always give priority to God's business.
Oh, your friends may assess your worth by the degrees you have earned, the size of your house, the number of cars you own, the prestige you hold in the community; but God has reserved His special honor and inheritance for those who "wholly follow the Lord" as Caleb did (see Joshua 14). "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).
May your graduation be the threshold of such service for Christ, rather than entering upon a life lived merely for things of this earth. Jesus said, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it" (Mark 8:35).
--Gospel Standard
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