Why graduating students need God

Every graduating student should be fully aware that there is a divine design for his/her life. In this design there is destiny. For this destiny there is direction. There is a process to the product and our Creator has put it all together in His plan for each life.

Around this time of the year, I am usually invited to various educational institutions — mainly secondary schools — to address graduating students and sometimes make presentations of special school awards to chosen students. Over the past few weeks, I have been so involved.

As I look at the large number of these students, hear the many valedictory speeches and various “graduation sentiments,” I cannot help but see how critically important the direction of God is at this major crossroad in the young lives. (“Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth” Eccles 12:1). As I stated to one of those groups of forms five and six graduates — accompanied by parents and teachers — at a ceremony held at the Centre Pointe Auditorium in Chaguanas, last Tuesday, “The harsh reality is that you leave the safe haven of your educational institute to enter a place and paradigm of many confusing imponderables and other unkind challenges.” I think it is quite easy for one to recognise the fact that it takes much more than academic achievement to make it in this world. Social, moral and related challenges demand the empowerment of a solid spiritual base. Character provides the competitive advantage for job seekers, since employers are becoming increasingly conscious of how essential sound employee character is to their bottom line.

While the number of people who are “qualified” in terms of academic and technical abilities are rapidly increasing, those who are “character qualified” appear to be rapidly decreasing. At quite a speedy rate it is becoming more and more evident that people who do not possess a genuine fear of God, find it virtually impossible to live by principles consistent with quality character. Apart from the basic emotional, psychological and social turmoil which form an inherent part of the adolescent life, there is a deep need for direction. Many graduates, despite all the pep talks and career guidance stuff, are loaded with confusion as it relates to the post-graduation path they should pursue and other issues.

“Where do I go from here?” “What do I do now?” “I wonder what will happen if I don’t pass ...?” “I have nobody — and no money — to pay for my additional studies”. And it goes on and on. Many of the parents are also worried and confused for similar reasons. But a close relationship with the Lord in all of this, can make such a big difference. It’s important for every graduating student to be fully aware of the fact that there is a divine design for his/her life. In this design there is destiny. For this destiny there is direction. There is a process to the product and our Creator has put it all together in His sovereign plan for each life. This knowledge, with corresponding faith, will take mountains of stress off the shoulders of graduates and their parents/guardians. As the song says, “Faith in God can move a mighty mountain. Faith in God can calm the troubled sea.” Without a clear sense of direction, error of choice and decision is inevitable. Purpose dictates that we live by choice, not by chance. And the Scriptures clearly assure us: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths” (Pro 3:6). And as I also quoted in my address to another graduating group: “The world will step aside and make room for a man who knows where he is going, and is on his way”.

Vision and direction are absolutely imperative in order for one to possess a genuine sense of purpose, confidence, resolve and optimism, in any meaningful mission in this life. This is particularly so in the case of teens and young adults. A sure relationship with God, enhanced by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, is a definite plus in this respect. The Holy Spirit (or Spirt of God) “teaches you all things and guides you into all truth” (Jn 14:26). There is a ready-made culture of defiance, crime and violence, which is fully magnetised and ready to suck in any visionless, unguided, misdirected or confused graduate. And, we know only too well, that the magnetic field of this nefarious culture has already begun its invasion of our very school population. So in a real sense, the “magnetic predator” begins capturing its prey before graduation day. This makes emphasis upon the spiritual element at the critical transition point of graduation, even more vital.

Graduating students who possess a defective value system are dangerously vulnerable to the subtle and seductive snares of the prevailing devious climate with which we are forced to contend. Yes, we need the high career consciousness; we need the schools and the universities. But, say what you like, none of these could substitute for a solid church life. There must be a sound awareness of moral absolutes. There must be a clear conviction about right and wrong, the fundamentals of human dignity, and the sanctity of life’s purpose. A student who has graduated without these values and virtues, would have essentially graduated prematurely.