Graduation is an exciting and happy time. The
graduate has proven he can set a goal and work until it is attained.
However, reaching this goal does not justify sitting back to rest
upon one's laurels. He has passed an important milestone on the
road to success, but new goals must be set and diligently pursued.
Whatever the graduate's future plans, there is
one thing absolutely essential to success: ambition. Ambition
is "To desire and seek eagerly." Funk & Wagnall.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might."
Ecclesiastes 9:10. I challenge you to set proper goals and press
toward them. Philippians 3:13-15.
Many will enroll in college for further education.
Those who are wise will make the best of this opportunity. It
is not a time for profligate living. Do not allow anything to
interfere with preparing to be successful in life. Take advantage
of the help professors can give, but do not blindly accept everything
they say. For example, with regard to religious faith and politics,
you must think for yourself.
Graduation opens many doors of opportunity. Usually,
graduates are in better positions than are non-graduates to make
contributions to society. I challenge you to help restore righteousness,
justice, and order to a nation in peril. Be a builder, not a destroyer.
There is injustice that needs to be corrected, and some constructive
changes must be made. If the anarchists have their way, there
will be no America to change for the better. Please help bring
about change in a lawful and orderly manner.
Do not make the mistake of multitudes who think
happiness comes from wealth, popularity, unrestricted pleasure,
and worldly power. Solomon once thought happiness was attained
by worldly success alone. He came to realize this is vain. He
finally concluded, "Fear God, and keep His commandments:
for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13. You
will be called upon to make many important decisions. Joshua wisely
said, "Choose you this day whom you will serve ... but as
for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15.
Choose your occupation wisely - not just on how
much money you can make. Financial security is important, but
earning power must not be the most important consideration. Never
accept employment which will hinder your faithfully serving God.
There will be great satisfaction in work that is beneficial to
society. Our Lord said, "It is more blessed (happier) to
give than to receive." Acts 20:35. Use your talents, education,
and efforts to make ours a country in which "In God We Trust"
is engraved upon the hearts of the people and not just upon coins.
Sadly, many have replaced this motto with, "In Gold We Trust."
Some may decide to get married. As you contemplate
marriage, choose your lifetime mate intelligently and with a view
to building your home upon righteousness. Seek a mate who will
help you and your children go to heaven. A home built upon Christ
will endure. Divorce and marital unfaithfulness are weakening
our nation and the church. It will destroy the souls of the impenitent.
If you choose a mate whose character is questionable, who despises
the religion of Christ, is lazy and selfish, you will have a miserable
life. The wrong mate can make almost a hell upon earth. The right
mate can almost bring about a heaven upon earth. You will be "heirs
together of the grace of life." 1 Peter 3:7.
Graduates, congratulations, and best wishes! May
God bless you as you continue to travel life's pathway. Success
and happiness will depend upon dedication, ambition, and the skillful
use of your education. Most of all it will be the result of God's
blessings. 111 Heather Court, Scott Depot, WV 25560.