Pomp & Circumstance

I’ve been to many a graduation ceremony and sometimes the commencement address can be so predictable the message loses its effectiveness. Not so at a recent ceremony at Brooklane Baptist Academy in Hueytown, Alabama. In fact, the biblical teaching was so simplistic but profound so that every graduate could comprehend the magnitude of the next phase of their lives. This is worth sharing with every graduating senior you know. Bro Robin Mears of the Alabama Christian Education Association delivered the message. He used the backdrop of Philippians 2:12-16. His question was the same as the Apostle Paul. “How will you handle your new found independence?”. Since the day you were born until now, everything you have done has been supervised. Someone’s always been looking over your shoulder making sure you were doing what you were supposed to do. Parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors, coaches; always somebody not only telling you what to do and when to do it, but making sure you obeyed. Now as you enter the next phase of your life, will you be obedient to those lessons you’ve learned with no one looking over your shoulder? Will you work out your soul salvation by bringing from within you that which has been deposited in your spirit? Will you stand tall and obey without murmurring or complaining? There are enough people in society and the work force whose photo is next to complain in the dictionary. It is God’s will for you to be held blameless and harmless as those who are no longer children, but young men and women. Fortunately, He has provided grace and truth through His Son Jesus Christ to help you. God has invested so much in you. He personally orchestrated your life so that you would have your specific parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, mentors, etc. Each person having made their investment in you as well. All we desire is a good return on our investment. Young men and women who are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who live their lives in such a way as to bring Him glory and draw others to His marvelous light. Make us proud. Congratulations!