“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecc. 12:1).

This is the time of year when students in schools and colleges look hopefully forward to being graduated and thus end the arduous years they have spent in preparing themselves to face the business world and the time of putting into practice all that they have learned.

At the graduation exercises a speaker usually commends them for their having successfully studied and earned their diplomas. But he also might point out to them that they have only learned the rules and standards that permit them to look for gainful employment. Should they fail to take advantage of what they have learned, their graduation will mean little to them. Graduation is only the first step into a new and exciting world.

Graduates will be called upon to remember a great number of things that they have been taught over the previous years. But the text that we have cited (Ecc. 12:1) is certainly one that should be read, re-read and studied diligently by all who are “going out into the world on their own.” You may forget some of the things that you studied in preparation for life, but if you “forget thy Creator” you will have left behind the important thing in life. You may remember how to make a living, but if you forget how to live you will never be a success. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

As graduates step into the days that are before them, there is nothing as important as remaining faithful to God. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2). With these principles as their guide, our graduates have a great deal in store for them. Their lives will be filled with the joy that belongs to the child of God.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 clearly gives the formula for success. Remember that God is the strength and hope of all who will truly succeed. “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth” (Psalm 71:5).

-Author Unknown

LET GOD BE YOUR WHOLE LIFE AND YOUR TRUE GOAL.

–submitted by Jerry Sturgill