A Tribute to Graduates

It is around this time of year that normally we would be thinking about all of the accomplishments of a group of young people who have completed 12 years of schooling.  They started with the basics - ABC's, colors, numbers.  After 12 years hopefully they have a combined book knowledge and can tell you about history and math and science combined with some practical knowledge on how to get along on their own as they move on to the next phase of their lives.  I want to honor the work that these students have put in, and I think that we all should.  

It has been hard this year because they have gotten an early introduction into the world of adulthood.  And for many of them I think they would be wise to remember and learn from the lessons that this spring has taught.  I want to articulate a few of those now:

1. Life does not hand you success.  You have had to endure not getting the accolades that people last year did and next years may get.  That does not mean your accomplishments are diminished.  We do not work for the accolades that people give us.  "Whatever you do in word or do, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."  (Colossians 3:17, NASB)  We do not do what we do for our own sake, but for the glory of God and life, nor the Scriptures demand that you will receive the success you desire - you do it for Jesus.

2. Life has disappointment.  I fear in the younger generation a belief that life is supposed to just give a series of wins and victories. Life has disappointment.  Life is hard.  Life is not fair.  This side of sin life will continue to be hard until Jesus returns which leads me to point 3.

3. Only Jesus can offer true satisfaction.  There is only one source for true joy and hope and peace and all of the blessing you seek. His name is Jesus.  This is not to say that in Jesus you will find your own success or your life free from disappointment.  But He and He alone has the power and might to make your life into something worthwhile.  But this requires sacrifice.  You must give yourself wholly to Him!  My prayer for you is that you will seek the Scriptures and do just that!  Give your life to Jesus.