10 Christian Life Tips for Graduates

1. Always Keep God First

The world tells us to seek money, mates, power, fame, and attention. Society emphasizes perfect grades, belonging to specific groups, or striving to maintain a particular image. God, however, tells us to seek His kingdom and righteousness (godly character, integrity, uprightness) FIRST. Then, He will add everything else to us. God commands us to love Him with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength (Luke 10:27). 

Your personal relationship with Jesus is what matters most. When you make His goals, will, plan, and purpose the top priories in your life, you can be sure that you will succeed. Nothing should come before Him. Matthew 6:33 states, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you."  

2. Remember That God Sees the Full Picture

In most instances, life has been pretty predictable until this point. Go to school, complete homework assignments, engage in extracurricular activities, and socialize with friends. Sounds familiar, right? Graduation is one of those times in life when the norms are shaken up. You might not know what's next surrounding the college you will attend, which employer will hire you, or if you will take that leap to get married, have children, or remain single. There may be some acceptance letters, while there may also be some rejection letters. You might get the dream job that you apply for the first time, but what if they choose someone else? 

Regardless of what's to come, you can experience comfort by remembering that God sees the complete picture, even when you don't. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you, this is the Lord's declaration, plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

3. Know That God Is Always with You

Deuteronomy 31:8 states, "The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged." God's presence includes times of transition. You may feel alone or as if you don't have all the answers and next steps. God didn't bring you this far to abandon you. If you look hard enough, you will realize that all along, God has been weaving every aspect of your life together to bring you to this point, so if He has already been at work, you can be confident that He will continue to work, move, and orchestrate your life, with your good in mind (Romans 8:28). Transitional periods can be uncomfortable and produce feelings of loneliness, but God is with you. 

4. Ask for Directions

Graduation is one of the times when we need clarity, wisdom, and direction on our next steps. Should we move to a new state, which major should we pick, to which job should we apply, or which relationships do we need to retain or let go of? The Bible reminds us to acknowledge God in all our ways, and He will direct our paths; therefore, if you lack wisdom, ask the Lord. Allow Him to be your guide. We can take our questions to our Heavenly Father in prayer, and he promises to lead us. Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV states, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

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5. Rely on Your Source

Like trusting God for directions, we can count on Him to be our abounding source. Philippians 4:19 states, "And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." This passage is a clear reminder that God promises to provide you with everything you need in this season (and every season, for that matter). He will supply your needs, whether it’s a sound mind, financial resources, guidance on exams, employment, housing, or anything else that comes to mind. He will also equip you to do all He has called you to, as evidenced by Philippians 4:13, with the comforting reminder that you can do all things through Christ, who gives you strength.

6. Eagerly Anticipate New Beginnings

Isaiah 43:18-19 states, "Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." Although you may be leaving friends, family, and the familiar behind, get excited! God is doing something new. Despite high school or college being part of your rearview mirror now, you can confidently gaze into that windshield to see your bright future. Rest assured that you have a beautiful destiny to anticipate when God declares that He is doing a new thing and making ways. Though all the pieces haven't come together yet, get up each morning with total trust that God is working on your behalf. 

7. Be Faithful with the Little

Matthew 25:21 states, "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy.'" Do not despise what appear to be small beginnings. If you find yourself in an entry-level position or with a salary that was not exactly what you were hoping for as a recent graduate, be faithful. Do your best. Study hard. Work hard. Remain diligent. God promises that when we are faithful with little, He will make us rulers over much. The first position you obtain will not be your last, your starting salary will increase, and promotion is possible. Just remain steadfast. 

Also, remember that whatever you do, do it all as unto the Lord so that he can be seen and glorified. Colossians 3:23 states, "Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people."

8. Stay Connected to the Church

Hebrews 10:25 states, "not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching." Now that you are likely out of your parents' home, it may be tempting to stray from attending church and connecting with brothers and sisters in Christ. This is certainly not the time to do that. On the contrary, finding a new church home, small group, and even campus ministry will help you remain grounded and gain strength, encouragement, and nurturing as you enter this season of life. You will be able to cultivate and grow in your relationship with Christ while fellowshipping with the Christian community. 

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9. Let Your Light Shine

Don't dim your light for any person, place, or thing. You are meant to shine. The world needs that radiant glow that God gave you. You matter! Your new classmates, co-workers, and any other environment you enter is in dire need to see the gifts, talents, encouragement, inspiration, and experiences that you are called to share in every area and assignment of life. Matthew 5:16 states, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." 

10. Praise God for What He Has Already Done

Finally, don't forget to praise God for all He has already done. The latter portion of Isaiah 12:4-5 states, "Give thanks to the Lord; proclaim his name! Make his works known among the peoples. Declare that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known throughout the earth." When you take a moment to ponder and meditate on all that God has already done, you can experience gratitude and hope. 

With that hope also comes the assurance that if God has brought you this far and allowed you to accomplish all that you have through His strength and power, then surely, He can and will continue to work through you in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. Give God credit for your success. You were able to make it to this momentous point in your life because He is a faithful, loving, and caring Father who has been by your side. Celebrate the victories you’ve already won and know that God will continue to do amazing things through your life when you let Him.