Six Words for Graduates…and Others
Today was a day I have looked forward to for several weeks. Debbie and I spoke to the Day by Day Sunday School class at Southern Gables Church. It was great to share our story and my book with many who were so supportive in many ways during my health crisis. We ended up coming home earlier than anticipated and missed some planned connections. I have noticed the last two days of early mornings and trips resulted in more fatigue that what I seemed to have experienced recently. I’m thankful for the refreshing I get through some rest.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.“ Proverbs 4:23 NIV “Watch your life and doctrine closely…” 1 Timothy 4:16 NIV
We are in graduation season once again. It is a time for young adults to be planning for their future and establishing a vision and direction for their life. Solomon and Paul address some important aspects of life. Solomon says, “guard your heart…” That has to do with your affections and what drives your passion in life. Paul says to Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine.” In doing so, he points to the importance of how we live and what we believe as being critical for our future.
Robert Hunt (the father of our friend Cyndy Luzinski) passed away three years ago in 2013. In Wisconsin, he was known as “Mr. Trout” and “Mr. Gideon.” Those two nicknames reveal his two passions. Fishing and a commitment to Christ. It is interesting how those two find their connection to Jesus’ first disciples.
Robert spent a career working for the Department of Natural Resources. Among his duties was developing and enhancing the fish population in Wisconsin’s streams and rivers. When he retired he enjoyed spending time catching the fish he spent a career ensuring were in plentiful supply.
His other nickname points to his passion for God’s Word and work. His life motto flowed from this commitment. It is reflected in six words. “Walk Worthy. Press On. Finish Well.” When I heard those words they made an impact on my life.
Walk Worthy. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.“ (Ephesians 4:1 NIV) Paul’s prayer for believers was that “God would fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9,10 NIV)
It is natural to seek and desire to fulfill “God’s will for your life.” But as one mentor of mine reminded me, “God’s will is not so much a place as it is you as a person.” We should seek to know Christ and know Him better. To obey and to seek His wisdom and guidance for all that concerns us and all that will confront us in life.
Press On. The familiar words of Paul are, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.“ (Philippians 3:14 NIV) Perseverance and focus are indispensable qualities for life. Tests do not stop with formal education. Life is a test! It presents continual challenges that “test our mettle.” Will we get back up when knocked down? Will we settle for just “getting by” in life?
Pressing on, I believe involves the “and then some” attitude in life. Show up for work, fulfill your duties, and “then some.” Do the best you believe you can, “and then some.” Seek to do your best for Christ and His cause, “and then some.”
We can always be grateful for a God who is the “ever-present help in time of need.” (Psa. 46:1) His the “God of all encouragement….” (2 Corinthians 1:3 CJV) I recall the words of a song my wife Debbie sang years ago that contained the words, “In Jesus name, I press on!”
Finish Well. Often when you are later in a career or viewing your home stretch in life, you think of “finishing well.” But finishing well, needs to be what motivates us throughout life and each day of our life. Life is about today, the present. Just today Debbie made the comment that she realizes that, “My reputation is just as good as I conduct myself today.”
I’m thankful that God redeems and helps us to overcome failures. Perfection is not required, but faithfulness is. Faithfulness to God, ourselves and others. May we all seek to hear those words of Jesus, “…well done good and faithful servant….enter in the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Prayer for today… “Lord, I seek your help in living life well. I realize this doesn’t happen by accident. Give me the focus and determination to “walk” worthy, to press on and to finish well. Guard my heart and mind in you and enable me to always put you first in my life and to seek to bring you glory. In every way, do your work in me each day of my life.”