My
son, Jon David, is a senior at Faulkner University in Montgomery,
Alabama. He is scheduled to graduate this week. He was asked to speak
last week during chapel time about some “words of wisdom” for other
students at Faulkner. Jon David is not known for his desire to speak
publicly, but when called upon, he has stepped up to the microphone. On
this occasion, he was told he didn’t have to speak very long – and he
didn’t. His speech only lasted a couple of minutes. I didn’t get to
hear it live, but I saw a video and he gave me his handwritten notes.
Here are some words from
my son:
He began his speech with
some one-line suggestions to Faulkner students, which are best
understood by the current students because they reflect details that are
unique to them:
“Go to the far line in the caf
(cafeteria) every day but Wednesday.”
“Come early to chapel; someone might get your spot.
There’s nothing worse.”
“Do the work (schoolwork) right now because you won’t
feel like it later. You’ll probably sleep instead.”
“It’s better to be late to class than to not go at
all.”
From the audience’s response, one of the favorite lines
was this: “When you need to take a left out of Faulkner (the campus),
always take a right and make a u-turn. 60% of the time it works every
time.” (That last line was intended to add a little humor. It
worked.)
Then Jon David took a
turn in his speech with the words, “On a more serious note…”
“If
it’s between going to church services and doing homework, go to church
services. Homework will be there when you come back.”
“Stay up late and talk with your friends. Everyone
needs someone to talk to.”
“Go the extra mile. You’ll never regret helping
others.”
“Matthew
6:33 -- Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all
these things shall be added to you.”
And
finally, “There is no greater joy in life than putting Jesus first,
others second, and yourself last.”
Words cannot express how thankful I am for my son – and for his words of
wisdom. I’m going to take his “serious” words to heart; I hope you
will, too.
I’m thankful that my son
pointed to God’s Son for true wisdom, for Jesus said, “I am the Way, the
Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”
(John 14:6).
Jesus is the way to the
abundant life now and eternal life to come, for He died on the cross for
our sins so that we might be reconciled to God and receive the gift of
eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 6:23).
God will save and give eternal life to those who
place their faith
and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from
their sins in repentance
(Acts 17:30-31), confess
Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are
baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the
forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of
His Word (1 John 1:7).
Remember, “There is no greater joy in life than
putting
Jesus first, others second, and yourself last.”
Won’t YOU seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness by submitting your life to the Savior today?
--
David A. Sargent
P.S. Jon
David, thank you for your words of wisdom and for who you are and for
Whose you are. I love you and I thank God for you.
David A. Sargent,
Minister
Church of Christ at Creekwood
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama 36695
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