Graduation cause for celebration

In North Carolina we have moved from the May college graduation season into June high school commencements. Typically for families and churches, these are times to recognize and celebrate young people successfully completing their academic coursework and embarking on their next endeavors.

Years ago, a college’s choice for graduation speaker went largely unchallenged. Obviously, a speech at a private Christian school might sound much different than one at a public university. Lately, more and more graduation speaker announcements have been met with calls to uninvite the person. Some students who disagree with the philosophical or political ideology of the potential speaker are now more inclined to protest the invitation. Within a framework of free speech, we all have the right to say what we want in our personal capacities, as long as we are not inciting violence, destroying property or trespassing.

Hopefully, as Christians we are able to focus on God’s gifting of graduates and their efforts to learn and achieve. Celebrating wonderful milestones and making good memories with family and friends are such joys. We may or may not appreciate the commencement address, but should not expect a speaker to hold a biblical worldview if they do not espouse the Christian faith. This is part of the way we live in the world but not of it, and coexist as peacefully as possible with others. We can think differently yet still show respect.

As Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:12-14

The Apostle Paul admonishes the Church in Rome, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

A graduation speech at a Christian college might sound foreign to outsiders. Its particulars could seem a little odd even to Christians who are not part of that particular denomination. A good rule of thumb in life is to be simultaneously well-studied in what we believe and gracious toward those who disagree with us. Our children need to see us model the fact that disagreeing with people does not mean we dislike them. It certainly does not mean we hate them. Thoughtful engagement is healthy. Listening to other points of view is good.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:15-17