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Pomp and Remembrance
The Scriptures tell us to “render to all what is due them: honor to whom honor” (Rom. 12:7). This coming Thursday night, three of our members will graduate from high school: Reed Corry, Ryleigh Corry, and Grayson Soto. We are proud of all three of them and do indeed honor them for this achievement.
Graduation, as the word implies, marks the advancement to the next phase of life. It is the stage where many young people move away from home and put their upbringing to the test. It is the time when they must decide for themselves whether they will have their own faith or lose it altogether. That makes this a critical occasion.
Because I know you, Reed and Ryleigh and Grayson, and the godly parents who have raised you, I am confident in the direction you will go. I have watched you mature into fine young people who desire to do what is right.
I also want to challenge you to retain more than reading, writing, and arithmetic from this stage of life you are leaving behind. Solomon, in all his wisdom, wrote, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1). That says some things that you need to take with you everywhere you go.
Remember Whose you are. “Remember also your Creator.” In other words, you are God-made. That gives instant value to your life and to you as a person. No one can take that away from you; it will never change. You can try to change yourself to fit in with your surroundings, but you can’t change the person God made you to be.
Your Creator gave you your looks: your hair color, your skin color, your height, and your depth. Be satisfied with what He gave you. And besides all of that, you were created in His image. Isn’t that enough?
Your Creator gave you your family: your parents, your grandparents, your siblings. He could have put you anywhere, with anyone. When was the last time you thanked Him for them?
Your Creator gave you your abilities. He gave you your abilities. Instead of envying what someone else has, serve God as best you can with what you’ve been given.
Remember where you are. You are “in the days of your youth.” This is a special time of life, one that you can never have back. You have the strength and stamina of youth that should be taken advantage of. You may not think about it now, but someday you’re not going to be able to do what you can do at this time.
Why not use where you are for the glory of God? Get into the habit of praying without ceasing: every day, every trouble, every blessing. Who knows what influence that will have on your friends? Get into the habit of reading your Bible and preparing your Bible lesson. Who knows what influence that will have on your roommates and classmates? Get into the habit of making the worship services non-negotiable. Who knows what influence that will have on your employer and your teachers? If you don’t remember right now, you are likely to forget when you’re older, too.
Remember where you are going. The whole duty of man is to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13). This “applies to every person,” even young men and young women. There are a lot of temptations in your new phase of life that can distract you from this most important purpose. You will be making decisions about your career, your marriage, and where you will live. Be certain to give consideration as to how your work, your spouse, and your surroundings will help you to fear God and keep His commandments.
“For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (12:14). The Lord wants you to enjoy this special time of your life. He is not a Father whose only delight is to deprive His children of pleasure. But He also wants you to remember the judgement while you are rejoicing. When you are in the days of your youth, you are still responsible for your actions. One day, you will give an account for these things.
One more thing I want you to keep in memory, Reed, Ryleigh, and Grayson. We all love you. So remember where you belong.
