In this message from Pastor Léveillé, we are encouraged to live a life that honours the Lord, especially as young graduates step into new chapters. Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s prayer in Colossians, the sermon highlights the importance of Christian education, godly direction, and a life of purpose that pleases God. It serves as both a challenge and an encouragement for believers of all ages to walk faithfully with Christ.
Step Forward with God’s Direction
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9-10, KJV)
Pastor Léveillé began by sharing a personal story from his time as a church planter in Quebec. In a context where Christian education is uncommon, a conversation with another parent illustrated the profound influence of schooling choices on children’s lives. Years later, that same parent sought advice after his sons faced moral challenges and doubts due to secular influences. This experience reinforced the value of educational decisions made with spiritual priorities in mind, alongside academic excellence.
The pastor emphasised that Christian education works alongside the Christian home. It is not a guarantee of spiritual success on its own, but it helps create an environment where children can grow in Christlikeness. Graduates are urged not to merely step into the future as a matter of time, but to step forward intentionally with God’s direction.
Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will is not a casual suggestion but a matter of control and shaping, much like a glove takes the shape of the hand that fills it. This filling provides wisdom and spiritual understanding to navigate life’s decisions. In a world filled with competing voices that grow louder after graduation, believers must fill their minds with God’s truth rather than cultural slogans such as “follow your dreams” or “believe in yourself.”
Instead, graduates should ask, “What does God want me to do?” and “How can my life please the Lord?” God’s will does not shrink opportunities but gives them eternal meaning and purpose. As students leave the familiar shores of childhood and high school, they need a compass: the Word of God as their map and the Holy Spirit as their guide. Drifting may be easy, but it never leads to the right destination. Take the Bible as your authority, prayer as your lifeline, and the truths you have learned as your foundation.
Step Forward to the Worthy Walk
Paul’s desire was that believers might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. Walking is the repetition of small choices over time that lead to a destination. A life worthy of the Lord is built not on one massive decision but on thousands of daily steps that align with our calling in Christ.
The sermon referenced William Borden, a young man who turned away from wealth to serve as a missionary. His resolve, captured in the words “no reserves, no retreats, no regrets,” exemplifies a worthy walk. Graduates cannot declare a one-time commitment to Christ and then live otherwise. Every choice, from what they watch and who they befriend to how they spend their time, must reflect their identity in Him.
You carry the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your highest aim is to please Him, not the crowd or your peers. A life lived to please God may not bring worldly fame or fortune, but it brings lasting satisfaction and eternal significance.
Step Forward to a Fruitful Life
Being fruitful in every good work reveals the true success of one’s education and upbringing. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, the character and impact of a believer’s life will testify to the investment made by parents, teachers, and the church.
Fruitfulness comes through ordinary faithfulness to an extraordinary God. It involves daily steps of obedience, service, prayer, and witness right where one is. True fruit cannot be manufactured or faked; it flows from dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, the true vine.
Parents, teachers, and the church family watch with hope as graduates grow. The prayer is that their lives will produce genuine fruit that glorifies God and blesses others.
Step Forward to a Growing Knowledge of God
And increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10, KJV)
Graduation marks the end of one chapter of formal education, but believers never graduate from knowing God. There is always more to learn, more tests to face, and more growth required. The goal of Christian education is not merely knowing Bible facts or doctrines, but truly knowing the God of the Bible in a way that leads to worship, obedience, humility, and faith.
The verses that are memorised must sustain us when life shakes. Do not live on the faith of your parents or teachers. Thank them, honour them, and then walk with God yourself. One day, may others testify that your faith helped lead them closer to Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, do not simply step into the future. Step forward with a life worthy of the Lord. With God’s direction guiding you, a worthy walk marking your steps, a fruitful life flowing from your surrender, and an ever-growing knowledge of Him deepening your faith, you will live with purpose, joy, and no regrets.
May the Lord bless and keep our graduates, Emily, Daniel, and Jerome, and all who seek to honour Him. Let us all commit to this worthy life in Christ.
