Graduates — Congratulations on reaching a tremendous milestone in your life and in the discipling process God has for you. We celebrate you as your church family, both friends and strangers … but all who desire to see you excel in life and in the Lord. So, let me try to express what I think many would want to express to you at this season of life:

An Anchored Heart … Don’t be scared of the “big-bad-world-out-there”, but do guard your heart from the influences of the enemy that would seek to steal your joy through the lies of “something better”. Fear of all the bad stuff out there that your parents have tried to shelter you from since birth is no way to now go and live life. The far better motivation is a deep and abiding love for your Creator who sent His Son to rescue you from sin. Whether you have trusted Jesus or not, you have heard the truths of the Gospel and seen it lived out (both well, and poorly) by the people around you. You will hear the foolish talk that sounds so smart from professors, scholars, and friends who think the Gospel silly or outdated. You will struggle with sorting out what you think. You will wrestle with the simple truths you’ve heard for years now with greater depth and detail. The main question will always be: Who do you trust? The Lord or other “lords"? The Word or other “voices”? The Church or other “families”? In all your growing, struggling, and enjoying … keep your heart anchored on the miraculous words of a God who saves!

An Adventurous Spirit … Don’t be restrained by the wishes of others, but live passionately with your face set on delighting yourself in Christ. Yes, lots of people have expectations for you, dreams of the life you’ll have and the person you’ll become. Some of those expectations are fair, and some are less about you and more about them. You be the man or woman God has called you to be. You discover the uniquenesses of how you were created in the image of God. You try things that will stretch you, challenge you, and make you uncomfortable. You fill the spot in this world that God has designed for you, not your parents, and not your friends. Leave “The Shire” and take an adventure, find your “Fellowship of the ring”, and fight your dragons. Don’t let your failures be final, nor let your fears tie you to the predictable. Live by faith knowing that, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last” (CT Studd).

We are committed to praying for you, and are always here to love and serve you however we can, don’t hesitate to ask. Now, go do great things to the glory of God, and for the joy of your own soul!