It’s that time of the year when the schools break out their gowns and funny square hats with tassels and have a ceremony where all those students who successfully completed their program get to walk the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance, shake the hand of their school’s representative and receive their hard-earned degree. This occasion is a culmination of many years of diligent and faithful academic work. For some, it required financial sacrifice. For many, it is the capstone achievement of their academic career. This special ceremony is called “commencement”. Have you ever considered what that word signifies?

“Commencement” does not imply an ending but rather a beginning. It comes from the word, “commence” which means to “begin or start” something. This degree-conferring ceremony is, therefore, not designed to be a capstone moment to relish in accomplishments (although it certainly is that) but rather a commissioning ceremony to send these newly equipped graduates into the world to begin the next chapter of their lives. These young people will become the next generation of school teachers, politicians, lawyers, homemakers, and tradesman among other things. Some will leave a bigger mark on society than others, but all will eventually fill the holes in society that are left as the older generation passes away. They are now called to pick up the reigns and commence the work which they have been educated to accomplish.

We see this same model all throughout Scripture where the next generation is trained and then commissioned to further God’s plan in their lives. Moses trained Joshua. Elijah trained Elisha. Jesus trained His disciples. Paul trained Timothy. The model is the same for Christians today as well. Our young people need to be trained and equipped to fulfill their purpose in God’s kingdom here on earth. Here are some thoughts for how we can help them do just that.

1. Encourage Them in the Lord – Even in the first century, there was a sense that young people have little to offer. Paul told the young Pastor Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers.” (1 Timothy 4:12). Not every young person is ready to take the role that Timothy had, but we need to encourage them to step out into the Lord’s work as they are led instead of keeping them doing menial work.


2. Entrust Them to the Lord – Anything you have accomplished for the Lord was not done in your own strength or by your own ability. It came from God. God reminded Joshua after Moses’ death, “as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” (Joshua 3:7). You must confirm for them that their only source of hope and power and strength and wisdom is from God alone.


3. Engage Them with the Lord – God doesn’t direct everyone’s path in the same way. The next generation may not do things just the same way they were always done before them. As long as doctrine is not compromised and they are actively seeking God’s will in their lives, the older generation must accept the fact that the Lord is leading them. We are told to “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). The path they take and decisions they make may not look like the same path that you were called to take. We must keep them engaged with the Lord in order for them to determine the right steps for their path.

Of course, you don’t need a day of commencement to get started in your walk of faith. You need to know the Lord as Savior and then get started. Remember whether you are old or young, God has a purpose for you. It’s up to you to follow the path that He has for you and use the gifts and resources He has invested in you. In other words, get going – it’s commencement time!