"My fellow classmates, we have now received our class rings. This is one great accomplishment in our lives. But the race is not over. We must remember that the race is not over until we receive our high school diploma, bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate. In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul gives some ways how to win the race. First, he says we ought to have dissatisfaction.
Not as though I have already attained. This is the statement of a great Christian who never permitted himself to be satisfied with his spiritual attainments. Paul was not satisfied with his Christian life. And my fellow classmates I want to tell you because you have your ring does not mean that the race is over. You have to want more in life.
Second, the ring should be a symbol of our devotion to win the race. No athlete succeeds by doing everything; he succeeds by specializing. The winners are those who concentrate, who keep their eyes on the goal and let nothing distract them. They are devoted entirely to their calling. Young men and ladies, the race to graduation is not going to be easy, but you can do it. You would not be sitting where you are seated if you could not. Beyonce was devoted to her singing career which is how she earned seven Grammy’s. Gandhi was devoted to non-violent resistance, and because he was, India earned its independence.
Third, the ring gives direction to win a race. My friends, we have great teachers who are here to direct the path to greatness. We can’t win the race if we rely only on our own mind, but we have to rely on God and others to help direct us as Proverbs 3:5 says: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.' God is trying to show us how to win the race, but we have to let him direct us.
Finally, this ring should help instill determination. Determination for the next step in our lives, which is our high school diploma. What good would a junior ring be without a high school diploma? Yes, we have received our junior ring, but not yet our diploma.
Like I said earlier, the race will not always be easy but you have to press on. Be determined and know that God will give us strength. You ought to have a mindset to say, 'Lord, I am almost there now and I need you to carry me through.'
If you want to win the race you have to have dissatisfaction, devotion, direction, and determination. When you have those four things, you will have won the race."
0 comments:
Post a Comment