This past weekend, I had the opportunity and honor to speak at the commencement at my college alma mater. It is a joy to return to Ohio Christian University for any reason. I met my wife Patty there, my life and ministry were shaped there, and I have lifelong friends and influences from my fellow students and professors.
It was … well, three words. It was exciting, humbling, and scary.
They say you get “butterflies” when you really care about something or someone. Well, I had some butterflies because I really care. I didn’t want to go and just speak. It was especially important to me because I remembered myself at their age and stage of life. I want to share something that had the potential to change the trajectory of their worldview and life.
I truly wanted to share something that was revolutionary. I was not wanting to make a speech that would make them elevate me by thinking, “Wow! What a great speech! What a great man!” and just remember me.
There’s a central truth that becomes more real to me each day: We have this one life, and it will soon be past. My mother used to have that on a sign in our kitchen as we grew up, and it is embedded in my mind: “Only one life will soon be past. Only what is done for Christ will last.”
I wanted these new graduates to know that actively following Jesus – not simply believing in Him – is the greatest way to experience the abundant and adventurous life we all desire. It’s the life for which we are created.
I reminded them of Paul’s words in Romans 12:1: “I urge you to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, wholly and acceptable to him, which is your reasonable act of service.” That means that fully surrendering to Jesus is the most reasonable, logical decision any person can make.
I told them that is the way to experience life to the fullest. I know I am experiencing it. Full surrender to Jesus has given me a life better than I could ever have imagined on the day of my college commencement. I thought I knew the details of where God was leading me, but I didn’t. Many things changed and they were all preceded by surrender, presenting myself as a living sacrifice, my reasonable service. And I am experiencing the fulfillment of God’s promises.
I know that I am experiencing the life God has for those graduates. It will look different than mine, but if they get it, it will be wonderful beyond what they can imagine.
There is nothing like true contentment, not needing to compare yourself with anyone else or be envious of what they have or are.
That’s the abundant life. It is the life Jesus came to give to all who will embrace it. God takes full responsibility for the person who is fully surrendered to Him. It’s the only way to live with joy in our broken, unstable world.
I want you to know that too.