Seven Things for Graduates to Remember

On May 28, 2006 I spoke at Bunde Christian Reformed Church in Bunde, MN and made the following points especially for the graduates.

1. “Life gets complicated once you get past 18” from the song The Class of ’57 by the Statler Brothers. Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come.” Life does get complicated, remember your Creator.

2. From a song by Joe South entitled, “These Are Not My People”, I quote “With your credit card and your good name, they will draw you like a moth to the flame and throw you away like last weeks’ magazine. It’s been a gas but I think I’m going to pass. These are not my people, no, no, these are not my people, and it looks like the end my friend, it looks like the end.”

The world will use you, abuse you, and throw you away. Be aware but not afraid of “the world”. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid”. He also said, “Go into the world and make disciples.” As you go, be aware of Jesus prayer in John 17:15 “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you be protected from the evil one.” Go into all the world and make disciples! Be aware but not afraid.

3. This too shall pass. All is temporary this side of heaven—our life, our trials, our suffering and tribulation and even our joy. Psalm 75:2-4. God is in control of everything.

4. If your only goal in life is to have the biggest pile of stuff, it will not satisfy. Luke 9:25 “You may gain the whole world but lose your soul.” There is nothing wrong with wealth but it does not satisfy.

5. Be honest in all things; most importantly, be honest with yourself. Jeremiah 5:1, 11-13. In Luke 15:17, the parable of the prodigal son says, “He came to his senses”—his moment of truth. He got up out of the pig pen and went home. He told himself the truth.

6. Always be generous and thankful—in spirit, attitude and with your time and talents. II Corinthians 9:6-15 and Acts 17:25…”He gives all men life and breath and everything else”. If you live a grateful life, it will be a blessing of unmeasured goodness.

7. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, the inspired Word of God through King Solomon, the world’s richest and wisest man…”Now all has been heard and here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing whether good or evil.”

Have “awesome reverence” for Almighty God in all things. Live your life in such a way that you will need not fear the day when all hidden things will be revealed. With God’s grace, live vibrant, transformed, risk-taking lives to the Glory of the Lord for He will be with you always.

May God bless you and keep you!
Jerry Seehusen
May 28, 2006