May and June are the months that bring about a lot of graduation ceremonies. Living in a larger college based city, I know of many graduation ceremonies happening. Although I know of many different ceremonies happening, most I do not get invited to go to. Over this last Friday and Saturday, two days only, I had been to three different high school graduation ceremonies. Over the last two weeks, I have been to multiple graduation parties, for students graduating eighth grade middle school, all the way through a doctor’s degree in college.
This is a busy season of honoring those who have endured a lot of hardship, long hours of study, and passing many tests in order to earn a degree or passing on to a higher level of schooling.
In each of these ceremonies, I had heard various speakers talking to the students about moving on in life. Gratefully, most of the ceremonies were Christian based groups and focused on God at the center of the student’s life. Several were not and did not bring up God in the picture at all.
With graduation, there is usually a feeling of some fear. Fear of what is next. Fear of how to move on with life. Many questions are being asked, and many not being answered.
If the student is in high school, some of the questions might be:
- Do I go to college or not?
- If I go to college, which one?
- Which degree do I pursue?
- How do I pay for college?
- If I don’t go to college, what job should I get?
- What career path should I pursue?
If the student is graduating college, some of the questions might be:
- Do I continue on for a higher degree?
- Where can I get a job?
- How do I finish paying my loans?
- Where do I move to now?
The one thing that is common for all graduates is that they are moving on in life. There is a change in life. Things are going to be different.
Some people do not really want to graduate. They are afraid of what lies ahead. I have seen some people be “professional” students. They attend college for eight years and never get a degree. They are constantly changing their majors, afraid of what is next, never really going anywhere.
Others do graduate, but do not move on. As they went through their schooling, it was just going through the motions. They never really learned anything. Some even cheated their way through the system. Rather than learning and growing, they stayed the same and fell behind. Many do not even graduate and drop out.
Although most people do finish out their high school degree and do move on, there are many that do not graduate in their walk with God. They hit a certain level and then stop.
The writer of Hebrews states: In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Hebrews 5:12
It is easy to just go to church and hear a sermon each week. There is no commitment or dedication involved. There is no work being done. Yes, a person may believe in Jesus and is saved, but there is no growth.
As a believer, you must grow and graduate on to bigger and better things. When you go through a situation in life with God, you must learn.
God may have you going through a tough situation. There may be some fear of uncertainty, since it is something new to you. You are to learn how God works and is in control in this life.
As God comes through for you in a situation, remember what He has done and will continue to do in your life. In your walk with Jesus, allow yourself to graduate on to the greater things God has for you.
Be willing to be used by God in new ways. As you step out in faith, graduating, it may be a little scary. It is usually stepping into an unknown territory in your life.
However, God is with you.
Remember:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
It is time to graduate in your walk with God.
What does God want you to start doing today?
How can you grow in the Lord Jesus today?
How can you be more like Jesus today?
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