According to Webster’s Dictionary we read:
Graduation – the conferring of an academic degree or diploma marking the completion of studies.
Listed as an alternative definition is this:
Graduation – a division on a graduated scale.
If we consider the alternative definition of the word Graduation and apply that definition to our lives, then the truth is that each of us is in the process of graduating. We all are moving along God’s “graduated scale” for our lives. Whether we are completing a formal education or learning the hard lessons taught through our life’s experiences. Each of us is never complete in this life, but we are moving toward completion.
It was the apostle Paul who wrote these words to the church in Philippi,
“Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have “arrived”, spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect (mature). But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me.” (Philippians 3:12 Phillips Translation)
The apostle Paul understood that he was still graduating. The Lord was still transforming and changing his life to be like Christ. (Romans 12:2) One of the dangers we face as Christians is the misconception that we have “arrived” spiritually. This idea that we are mature, when in reality we all continue to “graduate.” The truth is that God is continuing to mature and sanctify our lives.
This Sunday morning we will celebrate the reaching of an important goal for a group of our students. We will celebrate the completion of their High School education. Their “graduation” is a time to rejoice over a goal that has been reached. Yet it is also a time to recommit to the challenges of goals yet to be reached. We congratulate these students and their families for reaching this important milestone in their lives. We also remember that their graduation challenges us to continue our “graduating.” We must continue to keep going on, to keep moving forward, to allow God to continue to mature us.
I pray that you will join us as we celebrate what God has done and is doing in our lives!
To God Be the Glory!
