To the Class of 2015

Congratulations!  You’ve reached a milestone in your life.  We are happy for you and proud of you!  As you embark upon the next phase of your life, here are some things that we’re asking you to keep in mind: 

Decide to Be a Christian.

It begins with the decision to become a Christian.  Our sins condemn us, but Jesus saves!  He died on the cross to save us from our sins and to give us the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).  In order to accept His offer of salvation and eternal life, we must place our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

It continues with the decision to BE a Christian.  Some have trouble deciding WHO they are going to be…  Notice that I said “WHO,” not “WHAT.”  It’s more important to determine WHO we’re going to be than WHAT career path we’re going to follow.  Deciding to BE a Christian will help you make good decisions and will keep you on the right path (Matthew 7:13-14; 1 John 1:7).  In fact, some decisions will already be made.  Because you ARE a Christian, you will choose NOT to do some things just as you WILL choose to do others.

Consult your “map” frequently.

Of course, we’re talking about the Bible.  It’s not just a book of stories and doctrines; it’s a guide for life and eternal life.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  May you fill your mind with that Word so that it will illuminate your path.

Study hard.

Remember, one of the primary reasons that you are going to college [or work] is to learn and prepare for a career.  Pray for God’s guidance.  We’ll be praying, too!  Open your eyes to opportunities.  We pray that you will find and prepare for a career that will: honor God, utilize your talents, give you fulfillment, and pay the bills.

Make good, “forever” friends.

Choose your friends carefully.  “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26).  Your friends can help you or harm you.  Good friends bring genuine joy to life.  Focus on being a good friend to others.

Be kind to others.

You will find that there are all kinds of people in this world.  It is important that you learn to interact properly with “all kinds.”  “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).  This doesn’t mean that you condone everything that a person does, but that you treat every person with kindness and respect.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  That’s called the Golden Rule.  Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Remember who loves you.

God loves you.  He demonstrates that love in many ways.  The greatest demonstration of His love for you was that He gave His Son to die for you (1 John 4:9-10).  Your friends and family love you.  We’re proud of you.  We thank God for you.  We’re going to continue to pray for God’s very best for you.  We look forward to seeing what that will be!

If you haven’t already, why not begin with #1?  Decide to be a Christian.

Won’t YOU?