I remember so vividly throwing my graduation cap high in the air as the speaker was saying congratulations to my senior class, that I lost it in the crowd and it took a while before I was able to find it again. I was finally done with homework, sitting in class, staying up late studying, tutors, and tests that felt like they would define the rest of my life. I was DONE! As I threw that cap in the air, all my stress from school went away with it. It felt GREAT!
As all the graduation celebrations finished up, I remember thinking, “What Now?” I had spent so much of my life, time, and energy in school, and now I was just done? What was the point of it all?
That feeling of "what now?" isn't unique to graduation. It's a question that echoes in the quiet moments after any major accomplishment, after achieving a long-sought-after goal, or even after a particularly exhausting season of life. We pour ourselves into our studies, careers, relationships, and the pursuit of success, often finding ourselves on a relentless treadmill of striving. We chase the next promotion, the bigger house, the perfect image, and the fleeting approval of others. We invest our precious time and energy into endeavors that, while sometimes necessary, can ultimately leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.
Think about it. The all-nighters spent cramming for exams that felt life-altering – where are those specific details now? The anxieties over college applications – how much do those past worries truly dictate your present joy? The pressure to conform, to achieve a certain status, or to keep up with the ever-changing trends – do those external validations truly satisfy the deepest longings of your heart? These "worldly" things, while often demanding our attention, have a limited shelf life. They eventually come to an end, and if our sense of purpose and identity is solely anchored in them, we're left with that unsettling question: "What now?"
It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of worldly pursuits. We become so focused on the urgent that we lose sight of the eternal. We trade the pursuit of lasting significance for the temporary allure of immediate gratification. We allow the anxieties of this world to crowd out the peace that surpasses all understanding.
But there is a different path, a higher calling, a more enduring purpose: the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus spoke extensively about this Kingdom, not as a distant, future reality, but as a present and powerful force that should shape our lives today. He taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This isn't a passive waiting; it's an active participation in God's redemptive work in the world.
To live for the Kingdom means to reorient our entire lives around Jesus. It means recognizing that our true citizenship is not in this world, but in heaven (Philippians 3:20). It means allowing the way of Jesus to be the center of our lives in our decisions, our relationships, and our use of time and resources. It means seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33).
This is a radical shift in perspective. It's about dethroning the idols of this world – whether they be academic success, career advancement, financial security, or social approval – and enthroning Christ as the King of our hearts. It's about recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, to be used for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom.
Graduates, as you embark on this new chapter, you have a unique opportunity to make a choice. Will you pursue a life defined by worldly standards, chasing after fleeting achievements that ultimately leave you empty? Or will you embrace your Kingdom calling, living with a purpose that transcends this world and extends into eternity?
This isn't just for graduates. It's a challenge for all of us, regardless of our age or stage of life. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us what we should value, what we should strive for, and where we should find our worth. But as believers, we are called to a different standard. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that "the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17).
May we all, graduates and seasoned believers alike, take this moment to re-evaluate our priorities. May we surrender our worldly ambitions to the King of Kings, and may we commit ourselves to living lives that reflect His glory and advance His Kingdom on earth.
What does it look like for you to seek first the Kingdom of God in your current season of life? What practical steps can you take to align your daily choices with your eternal purpose?