A Word to the Graduate from Your Pastor

June, 2007

by: Brodie McClain

Dear Graduate,

There is something important to discover about life: Life is happening. The moments, the decisions, the choices are happening. They are happening right now. We live in the present tense. We do have the past to look back on. The past serves to remind us of God’s greatness and humble us in light of our weakness. The past puts God’s grace and forgiveness on display and serves as a benchmark for every real Christian to weigh out the sanctification which God has wrought. The future ignites our faith and hope and excitement over God’s promises and serves to focus us on the only sure reality – God Himself. Both the past and the future are important. But they are not enough - what will you do with the NOW?

• Will you consider the greatness of God and the salvation won for you on the cross – Right Now?
• Will you walk in obedience to His commands – Right Now?
• Will you seek as your first pursuit His kingdom and His righteousness – Right Now?
• Will you humble yourself under the mighty hand of God – Right Now?
• Will you give up your comfort to see Him proclaimed – Right Now?
• Will you love Him with all your heart – Right now? Not someday. But now?

Yes there have been good days in the past and Yes many days (most likely) lie ahead for you. The future awaits. What will you become? What will you accomplish? What will you achieve? Those are good questions to think about but remember this: In God’s kingdom the answer to those future questions doesn’t matter any more or less than the answer to this question:

Will you love Him with all your heart – right now?

That has been, will be, and IS my prayer for you, -Brodie