By Richard Curtis
Hello Students. Congratulations on your great achievement. Whether you are opting for further education or a new vocation, there are three things I would like to tell you.
First, choose your friends wisely.
—Engage everyone, but your closest friends should be Christians. The flesh, the world, and my enemy can be very persuasive in making life decisions you will later regret. Do not be reluctant to call on me, I can protect you, provide for you, and give you a peace that will surpass your understanding.
“…do not be afraid, I am your shield, I am your very great reward.” Genesis15:1b
Second, choose who and what you listen to carefully.
—-Know how to defend your faith and the truth in the Bible. Do not be afraid of science. Investigate modern scientific discoveries and see if they do not prove that the complexity and order of life cannot be explained by the laws of nature. True science and scripture will not contradict each other. I know because both were my ideas.
Third, choose your vocation thoughtfully.
—-Three men were in a field swinging sledge hammers breaking up large boulders into smaller stones. The first man was asked, “What are you doing?” He replied “I am busting up rocks, what does I look like I’m doing?”. The second man was also asked, “What are you doing?” He replied “I am making a living to support my family, and it is a difficult job!” The third man was asked the same question, “What are you doing?”. He replied, ”I am helping to build a great cathedral!”
Work is an important part of life. I mention it throughout Scripture. Pick a vocation that you believe in and will be passionate about.
In closing, congratulations on your achievement. For those of you who already know me, keep in touch. For those of you who don’t, I will be close by if there is anything you would like to talk about.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and I will show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
*all verses New International Version.