Graduation Speech: Remain in Christ :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

It's been great attending County Christian School. Where else do students walk into school at 7:55 and receive a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie? Then, after third period, Mr. Obrastoff combs our hair and sings to us. It really has been a delightful place to go to school. In all seriousness, we have been blessed to go to this school. We have been looked after and protected. Now, we prepare for the real world. We will be facing new temptations and challenges. It's not like as soon as we walk out these doors after receiving our diploma there's going to be a line of rough-looking guys who are going to be saying, "Hey I'll give you ten million dollars if you go rob that bank," or "Hey, do you want to join the mafia?" It's not going to be like that. However, once we are out from the protection of our school and families, it will be between just God and us. Our society today will be encouraging infidelity, lying, and substance abuse. Self-centeredness will be the dominant viewpoint. For those of you who are going on to another Christian community, I challenge you to be the different ones. Christian groups too often say, "yeah, praise God," and then not always walk in His steps. They see Christianity as just obeying the big rules instead of a daily faith relationship with God. They might even ask you to do subtle things that break God's rules. Take that extra step and really be a leader. Be the one person that everyone can look up to and say that you have the love of Jesus in your heart. Show them that you are truly on fire for God. For those of you who are going on to a secular society, I challenge you to remain in Christ and try to find some Christian friends. You are going to be in a hostile environment. Most people won't believe the same things as you. People will not only be asking you to do little things that will break God's rules, but also things that seem big. You need to stand up for your beliefs and show them that you are different. This means you can't be afraid to say no, that's not right, but remember you can't resist temptations on your own, you need God working openly in your life. If you find a good group of Christians, it will also help you to have someone to hold you accountable and fellowship with.