The last days
For those of you with only a few days left at school in Australia, you will be feeling lots of different things. There will be excitement that you have made it to the end of 13 years of schooling. There will also be sadness that you will not be seeing your friends as much anymore. You may be anxious about what is ahead. I remember feeling all that and more.
But as that final day comes and goes, what is next?
Don't forget your exams!
Yes you still have the big final exams to do. So study hard, help your friends and make sure you're ready. Work hard, if for no other reason, for God's glory (check out Colossians 3:23-24).
Then look to the rest of life.
Three things to remember as you leave school
Once the exams are done, a new season of life begins. Maybe you will go to away for a schoolies holiday. Maybe you will go overseas. Maybe you will go to university, TAFE, college, Year 13, or take a gap year. Whatever it is you do next, there are 3 things you must remember:
1. Remember Jesus! He died on the cross for you. He has forgiven all your sins. You cannot save yourself! It is only by Jesus' grace that you are saved. That truth will shape your decisions, actions, your whole life.
2. Remember God's people! Whatever you do, wherever you go, make sure you keep meeting with God's people. This might be church or maybe a Uni Christian group or even 1-1 with a more mature Christian. We are not meant to do life alone, so meeting with God's people will help you endure the good, the bad and the ugly.
3. Remember the big picture! Jesus is coming back one day to judge everyone and take his people to paradise. Make sure you remain committed to Jesus until that day. Make sure you keep trusting Jesus by always remembering what he has done for you, and by meeting with other Christians.
As you graduate from school, make sure you don't graduate from Jesus.