Coming to an End
Each year around this time, our ministries here at Liberty take great pride in seeing the successes of the year. This year, we graduate 22 seniors in the Class of ‘09…15 from our church. What a great group of kids.
As I ponder the different directions these young people will take, I cannot help but think back at my life. As a seventeen year old kid, I thought I had everything mapped out in my life. However, I was in for some rude awakenings. If I could go back and give myself some advice from the “now” me to the “then” me, here is what I would say:
1. Don’t over-value the “friendships” you have developed in high school. Many important, life-altering decisions are made with a high school “friend” in mind. Many times, a high school friend will influence the decision of another young person. Here’s the reality: most of the time, they lose contact with each other. They meet new friends and realize that the high school friendship they had was petty and immature. Here’s the problem: a life-altering decision was made in order to please that petty, immature friendship. Value friendship, but please do not over-value friendship.
2. Realize that God is blamed for many wrong decisions young people make. That old term “God’s will” is used by many young people who have not consulted “God” for any information about His “will” for their life.
3. Understand that Christian adults even in leadership can and will disappoint you. This was a difficult issue with me. I grew up in a Pastor’s home. I can honestly say that my dad practiced what he preached from behind the pulpit. After leaving home, I came into contact with several Christian adults that did not live up to that standard. Guess what? It’s okay! Christian adults in leadership DO NOT HAVE TO BE (in fact, they CANNOT be) PERFECT! Do not expect perfection. If you do, brace yourself for a letdown.
4. Prepare for your walk with God to be challenged. This point is especially for those going to a Christian college. The easiest place to neglect your walk with your Savior is at a Christian college. You feel as if you get fed the Word several times per day. The necessity of a walk with God is not as prevalent as it used to be. Schedule several times throughout the day where you read smaller portions of the Bible. Set reminders on your cell phone to remind you of your commitment to your Savior.
5. Guard your testimony because your future spouse could quite possibly be watching! While there is a great truth in “being your own man/lady,” there is also a slight danger in that way of thinking. Don’t lose your individuality, but be willing to adapt to rules and methods that you are not used to. My wife could talk for hours about this point. I am glad she was a lady of perception when dealing with this in our relationship.
6. Have fun! Enjoy it! Have the most fun (in a CHRISTIAN manner) that you could possibly have! Enjoy this transition time of living at home to being 100% on your own. Walk that fine line of growing up and having fun. Do both!
More than anything, realize that those that have spent 18 years preparing you for “life” are praying for you. We understand that many will find a new set of friends, but we still want to hear from you. We hope you all grow up, get married, and attend LBC!