Graduation Speech: The Importance of Loving God :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I've had a great time these past four years of high school. I've had a lot of fun with my class. We have many memories together. The basketball games, the parties, and all the fund-raisers for worthy causes. And, we've all been really busy with our own individual lives, and I know that will never change. But, on top of my busy schedule, I've learned something. And right now I want to tell you the most important I've learned. I've learned it doesn't matter what our day to day lives entail. Whether it's doing homework or studying, working or singing, being the Strawberry Queen, playing tennis or playing piano, or even doing karate. What's most important is loving God! Because, you see, the memories fade away and the friends move away, we all know that, but God is always constant. Psalm 90 verse 2 says, "Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God." I know I haven't experienced as much as many of you have and I know I have a lot to learn. But, nothing I learn matters as much as my relationship with God. And a lot of you might say, "Michelle, you do a lot for God. You've been on mission trips and you're on the leadership team at your church." You could even say that the Senior Class has done a lot for God. Some teach Sunday school at their church, a few help lead worship with music, and some run sound. These are all wonderful. But that doesn't matter. What matters is what's in here. What's in your heart. All the other things are additions. I once read a quote that says, "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life." You know that may be true. But let me give you an even greater truth. The man who lives his live without Christ has wasted eternity. And that is a deadly and dangerous game to play. But you know what? Those who live for God have the hope of eternity to look forward to. Because God has given us a free gift. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Class of 2006, I want to challenge you. The ultimate truth is that our focus should be on God and not on this world. And always make sure that people can see God through you.