Advice for the GRADUATE

Know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind.

1 Chronicles 28:9

This year the last of my children will graduate from high school. There’s something sad, but beautiful about our children moving on to the next stages of life. It becomes easier and difficult at the same time for moms and dads. Even though we can’t tell them what to do—we can be their best coaches as they graduate into the next season of their lives. Let’s give good advice to the GRADUATE:

G – God first.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

R – Remember who you are.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

A – Always stay true to what you know is right.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

D – Do your very best.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:24-25)

U – Understand it will get tough at times.
“So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7)

A – Attitude is everything.
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

T – Take advantage of this opportunity.
“Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)

E – Excellence is your standard.
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)