I remember my high school graduation ceremony. It took place in our Iowa town’s little indoor stadium. I was happy to, for the first time, not be seated in the concert band and have to continually repeat the last half of “Pomp and Circumstance” for 15 minutes. But I was, however, required to sing a cheesy song in the choir with all the other seniors. It was an attempted tearjerker tune that thanked teachers/parents for all their work and encouraged graduates to go and live their dreams.
An energized and now-qualified pursuit of individual dreams (mostly including the American Dream) has been the dominant theme in graduation ceremonies. But, last spring, a New York Times editorial attempted to dethrone it. Due to the economic climate and impoverishment our country is facing, it seemingly argues that high school graduates ought to think even more selflessly. They ought to spend less time and money learning and fulfilling their own desires (vocational, educational, etc.) and more time involved serving communities in some way. Simply put, shelve the American dream, see a need and fill it.
This was his advice last year, but it’s still relevant, as I’ve been reading subsequent articles about the growth of jobless college graduates and doubts of the necessity of a bachelor’s degree. So, as the high school graduates (of the next decade or so) try to navigate the economic climate, it could be that the theme of graduation ceremonies might trend a bit from fulfilling individual dreams to fulfilling others’ needs.
But the latter should always be the dominant theme, at any stage in life, for someone striving to be like Jesus Christ.
When we look at the New Testament’s Church, each Christian was his/her own lifestyle missionary, and evangelism and discipleship weren’t left only to the leaders and the seemingly gifted. Everyone brought in their whole paycheck (no matter the size) so that no fellow Christian would be in need. They spoke and lived charitably against abortion, gladiatorial barbarism, racism, and on behalf of oppressed women. They never retaliated persecution, and lived exemplary lives of virtue, discipline, Truth and love.
The Church was their first family. Their earthly family, friends (and enemies) and co-workers were now their “mission field.” Their purpose was now the Gospel, and their hope was in the promise of Heaven. All dreams of vocational fulfillment and earthly prosperity, while still sought (and sometimes maintained) could only be a distant second.
Graduates, as you enter your independence, you can certainly pursue vocational skills to your liking. But, as followers of Christ, you have a more sacrificial but glorious purpose. I hope you realize that earlier in your life than when I did. If you’re moving to a new region, don’t just find a church. Be a part of a church family.
This hurting world needs Christ, and He needs to you to help spread His grace, Truth and love.
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