Hey Seniors of Faith Baptist Bible College, today is the day!
What’s next?
That is the question you are facing right now. Yes, some of you have the next plan already in place. Yes, some of you have jobs or internships lined up. And yes, some of you are just going home for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. But I am not talking about those kinds of plans. The question “what’s next” must be answered by every graduate at this change of season. But also, by every student who is simply on break before their next semester. What I mean is, now that you are about to leave the campus of Faith, what is next?
Will you go back to that old life you once lived? Remember that one? The lazy living of a life of entertainment. The striving in pursuit of the idol you thought would bring you satisfaction. The hiding and covering up of so many sinful decisions. The path that strayed more than it followed. When you leave campus, will you leave the service of the Lord?
Joshua 24:14 gives three commands to the next generation, a generation that is clearly at a point of decision in the same way that you are right this very moment:
Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.
Fear the Lord, which is to say to love the Lord with all your heart. When you fear losing something, you demonstrate your love for that thing. Are you fearful of going backwards in your walk with the Lord?
Serve Him both in sincerity and faithfully. Sincere, because you truly see the goodness of following the Lord. Faithfully, because God’s own love has faithfully been with you these last four years.
Put Away the Idols that you used to follow. Think of how much better life has been ever since you turned away from those lusts and desires. God’s life is the truly good life. Temptations always promised what they would never deliver. God, on the other hand, never leaves us or forsakes us.
Graduates, today is a great day! You have learned much of the fear of the Lord. You have learned how to serve Him, and you have seen what happens when you leave your idols behind. What will you choose to do tomorrow? Choose to follow. Choose faithfulness and sincerity.
And for now, rejoice in what God has accomplished. You have put in hard work for four years, and now you get the harvest from that effort. Enjoy it! You have earned. We are all very proud of you. And tomorrow, remember to keep choosing to fear and serve the Lord.
Thoughts Worth Thinking 