Friends: Here is a high school faculty commencement Charge to Seniors short on platitudes and long on truth and encouragement; my wife Pam delivered it Friday evening at MCA.

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Spirituality Column #863

May 30, 2023

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Shining Light

By Bob Walters

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16, KJV, Jesus, Sermon on the Mount

I didn’t write this, but had to share.

Most graduating seniors, whether high school or college, will hear nothing like the following at their commencement exercises.  But take note.  Here is the “Charge to Seniors 2023” MCA English teacher (and my wife) Pam Walters wrote and delivered to the first high school graduating class of Mission Christian Academy in Fishers, Ind.  These are words I wish could be heard by – and pray would resonate with – every senior graduate everywhere. 

“Dear Seniors: 

“This is an exciting time for you as you look to the next chapter of your lives; it is exciting, too, for those of us who have played a role in your education thus far.  We look forward to seeing you achieve your goals and make your dreams come true. 

But more than that, we look forward to seeing what you will accomplish as salt and light in this sinful world.  It has been our earnest prayer to help raise up young people who will go out into the world and make a difference for Christ.  As stated in I Timothy 4:12: ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.  Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech, behavior, love, and faith.’

“It won’t be easy.  You are entering the adult world at a very challenging time, but as Esther says “you were born for a time such as this.”  Your being here is not a mistake; God knows his plans for you, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)

“You need to do more, however, than just hope it all goes well. You need an offense.

“Carry with you always the sword of His word.  Study it; know it.  This world is full of deceit, dishonesty, and half-truths, but God and His word are good, true, and trustworthy.  They do not change. 

So even if your plans falter or completely change, God will continue to lead and guide you along the way.  ‘Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable…dwell on these things…and the God of peace will be with you.’  (Philippians 4:8-9)

“Wear also the breastplate of righteousness.  This world is ugly; there is vulgarity and wickedness all around.  Don’t let yourselves be caught up in it; don’t become callous to the goodness and beauty that is also in this world. 

Those of the world will always tear down holiness and purity. You may be shunned entirely by unbelievers and your beliefs may cost you, but choose now to think on those things which are pure, honorable, and lovely.

‘Your MCA family loves each one of you.  We will continue to pray for God’s hand on your lives; we pray you will live lives of humility before Him and allow Him to lead.  We pray you won’t give up in the face of conflict or failure, but will press on.  We pray you will stand strong and ‘fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith’ (Hebrews 12:2).

“’Let your light shine before all men that they may see your good deeds and praise the Father in heaven.’ Let your lives be radiant lights which draw others to the Lord.

“In and Because of His Love,

“The Staff and Faculty of Mission Christian Academy”

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) congratulates MCA’s first four graduates honored at the school’s big-hearted and rowdy commencement ceremonies Friday, May 26, 2023.  See missionchristianacademy.com … it is a neat place.