For the last 3 years, a major portion of my job has been helping seniors in high school transition well into college and adulthood. Over the course of their senior year we talked through just about every topic out there. Now, they are leaving or have already left for the next phase of their lives. Here’s a compilation of what we’ve talked about and my parting advice:
1. Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future
It’s a guarantee that people become almost exactly like their friends in terms of what they are into and what their values are. Be incredibly picky about who you choose as close friends.
2. You’ll never be more loved than you are right now
The designer of the universe created you exactly how He wants you to be. He really likes who you are and loved you enough to sacrifice His own life to bring you back into relationship. If these things are true, no boy, girl, party, grade, friend, job, car, dress, video game or sex could ever make you more loved than you are right now. Know who you are and live out of that identity.
3. Facebook is the new resume
Everything you post on your social media accounts is permanent and yes, employers will look at your Facebook when considering you for a job. I know because I’ve done it myself. Be wise.
4. You only get one body
Alcohol and tobacco, when used excessively, will hurt your body. And drugs? Well, they’ll make you look like the emperor from Star Wars. You only get one body. Take care of it. Eat well, exercise and get rest. Your body is an amazing gift. You don’t want to mess it up. You have to live in it for like 80 more years.
5. You’re either growing closer or more distant with God
I believe that all relationships are either growing closer or more distant. Time spent together, meaningful conversations and serving each other lead to closeness. Ignoring the other person leads to distance. There is no middle ground. I believe that our relationship with God is the same way. Pursue Him and make space for Him in your new schedule.
6. You’ll marry someone that you date
Whatever dating was for you in high school, those days are over. Dating is a different game in college. It has greater consequences—good and bad. The thing is, you’ll marry someone you date. Unless, of course, your parents are hooking you up with an arranged marriage. If this is true we should probably talk.
Anyway, someday you’ll probably be married. Before that you’ll be engaged and before that you’ll be dating. My advice: only date people you’d consider marrying.
7. Direction, not intention, determines your destination (The Principle of the Path, Andy Stanley)
Life is a path. The choices you make today will directly affect your future. There are no shortcuts in life and wishful thinking won’t help you. If you want financial freedom as a young adult then don’t rack up debt on your credit card. If you want a close and happy marriage in ten years then don’t sleep around with random people. Direction, not intention, determines your destination.
8. Life is found at the intersection of your gifts, passions and God’s mission
God is on a mission. He’s saving lives both now and for eternity. He wants to partner with you. You were made for this. He wired you and gifted you for a specific purpose. Meaningful life is found when your gifts and passions intersect with God’s mission in the world. Do the hard work of figuring out who God has made you to be, pay attention to what God is doing around you, and dive in!
9. Your Parents are smarter than you
College will bring irreversible change to your relationship with your parents. However, this doesn’t mean you should stop listening to them. Your parents have at least double the life experience you do. They understand how life works. Wise people treat their parents with respect and listen to their advice. Sure, there will be times that they don’t understand and even time when they are wrong but please remember that when it comes to life—your parents are smarter than you.
10. Debt destroys future possibilities
I have friends who want to be youth pastors, become missionaries, have children, buy a house, travel or get married but they can’t. They can’t because they can’t afford it. They’re drowning in debt—school loans and credit cards.
Debt destroys future options. It takes away possibilities and can keep you from your dreams. Be very careful with debt.
To my class of 2013: I love you guys and I’m gonna miss you. I wish you the very best and we at LifeLine will always be in your corner. Stay connected with your leader and above all else, keep pursuing Jesus.
photo credited to Tax Credits
