Graduation Time
May is the month of graduation! High Schools and Colleges devote a great deal of time to organizing the pomp and circumstance of the occasion, parents plan parties for their respective graduates, and friends and family join the excitement as they watch their loved ones enter another chapter of their lives. There is an air of excitement surrounding these accomplished young men and women, and simultaneously, an air of trepidation for an unknown future. The best advice anyone can give or receive at such a time as this is, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Graduation from high school or college isn’t the only advancement we enjoy. There is evidence of spiritual growth that should be more delightful to us than any achievement of the flesh. The word “graduation” means “a scheme of rank or order,” and therefore a “graduate” is “a holder of an academic degree or diploma.” The perspective we address here is “one who has advanced in knowledge and experience.” For a Christian to advance from being a babe in Christ to one of full age (cf. Hebrews 5:12 – 14) is a type of “graduation” that every Christian should achieve. The sixth chapter of Hebrews instructs us to do just that: “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 3:1a)
Graduates tend to seek a profession from which they not only earn a living but also contribute to the community in which they live. Christians must do the same! The youthful Christian has much to learn (as do the older ones – learning and doing never cease!), but as he learns to do, he also does by learning. This permits the gaining of experience, and as this growth takes place, the earnest soul develops his life in the service of Christ Jesus and contributes to the community (congregation) in which he lives! Every congregation needs additional teachers, additional preachers, preparers of communion, helpers with leading prayers and songs, servants to assist the less fortunate among us, etc. How fortunate we are to see these additions forthcoming among us!
Yet more, each congregation needs elders and deacons: men who will faithfully lead and men who will faithfully serve the needs of those comprising the local work. These men (and their wives helping them meet the God-given requirements of those offices) set their lives to become such men of faithfulness. When they are found qualified, the day of that appointment is a remarkable day! These are men who have “graduated” to responsible work for the Lord, the likes of which no other work compares! Oh, how we value those who have served and do serve in the Lord’s kingdom in such capacities!
What “graduation” goals have you set for your spiritual achievement? It does no good to remain “satisfied” with your present standing: that isn’t growth! (See 2 Peter 3:18) Can you teach a class of young people? Don’t say, “No,” until you try! Can you teach an adult class? Don’t say, “No,” until you try! Can you preach? Can you prepare communion? Can you visit the sick, teach a home bible study, or help those who cannot help themselves? Don’t say, “No” until you try! Be studious in learning, zealous in gaining the experience, and eager to “graduate” to the next level of service for God!
