Today We Follow, Tomorrow We Lead

To the Lexington Junior Academy School Board, Principal Ito, Ms. Shafer, and the graduating class of 2018 I greet you in the Name of God our Father and the LORD Jesus Christ!

It is a privilege and honor to be the commencement speaker for this august group of graduates. Let’s give them a round of applause for their accomplishment.

I have had the privilege to getting to know these graduates through the years and my how time flies.

To the class of 2018, I want to share with you a brief message entitled, “Today We Follow Tomorrow We Lead!” Before I preach, let us pray.

This graduating class has a Bible verse that I will consider this evening.

This chapter of Proverbs provides valuable insight for today’s youth and is fitting for future leaders.

Verses 5-6 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God with your whole being (heart). In the Old Testament, the heart is considered the seat of a person’s thoughts, will, and emotion. All of these are to be surrendered to Jesus!

As you do this, God will bless you with academic success! Nevertheless, you are not to depend on your own intellect or intelligence. You must learn to depend on the wisdom and knowledge of God!

If you do this, and surrender all your ways to pleasing God, Jesus will take personal responsibility for leading you on the path. Warning! This path is straight and narrow and only a few find it. Get used to walking on this path alone. There will be companions from time to time but by and large, you will need to get used to walking this path alone. As God leads you and you learn to follow Him, get used to standing for the truths of God’s word all by yourself. This will prepare you for leadership tomorrow.

In order to be the leaders that God will use in the future, you must first learn to follow him now! Commit every aspect of your life to serving God. Literally, the LORD will make your path straight and smooth. The road ahead for you will not be bumpy or full of pot holes.

To the class of 2018, I challenge you to trust Jesus with every fiber of your being. I challenge you to lean on Jesus and not your own understanding. I challenge you to acknowledge Jesus at all times. I challenge you to allow Jesus to lead and guide you even when it doesn’t make since! If you accept this challenge, I invite you to stand as I commit you to the LORD in prayer.