On May 10th, Jason Byassee preached at the commencement exercises of Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. I came across the text of the sermon online; you can read it here.

Reading that sermon led me to ponder what I would say if asked to speak at a seminary graduation ceremony. Here are a few thoughts that came immediately to mind:

1. Remember to listen to God first and foremost. There will be plenty of other voices competing for your attention and telling you what your priorities ought to be, but don’t let them drown out God’s voice.

2. Remember that Jesus calls you to love your neighbor AS yourself – not more than, or instead of, or at the expense of yourself. If you do not properly care for yourself, you are setting a poor example and will ultimately be unable to do much to help anyone else.

3. Remember the importance of time apart – time to pray, to reflect, to simply “be” instead of always rushing to do something. Your days off and vacation time are not optional luxuries to give up whenever someone needs you; they are essential aspects of your life and ministry. Even Jesus left the crowds and his disciples at times to be by himself and pray.

4. Remember that you are always God’s beloved child, regardless of your successes or failures as a pastor and a person, that you do not have to earn God’s love, and that nothing can separate you from that love.

Those are my thoughts; what are yours? If you were asked to speak to new seminary graduates, what words of wisdom would you share?

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