As long as you are controlled by insecurity, you are a slave to the opinions of others. And you will stop at nothing to please others. Don’t be that person.
Rest in the man God created you to be. Until you do, comparison will drive you down dark roads. And the unique purpose God has for your life will go to waste.
7. Never stop learning.
Frank, right now, you’re idealistic. You’re confident. You’re educated. But tomorrow, you enter a different school, the school of life. This school has much to teach you. The ones who succeed, regardless of how success is defined, never stop learning.
Learning is reserved for the humble. Don’t throw out opinions different from yours. It’s dangerous.
Listen to people older than you. Accept rebuke from people. You’re far from perfect. Surround yourself with people that are smarter and wiser than you…and learn from them.
8. Don’t worry about what you can’t control.
From career to family, worry is a close companion of yours. Cut ties with it now. Invite it over for a cup of coffee or something, but you desperately need to let worry go. It might keep you company, but it’s not a good friend. Worry cripples progress and growth. Unknown is hard. I understand. But believe me, God takes care of everything. He’s the Known in a world of unknown, which is why Jesus says, “Do not worry.”
As long as your life is filled with worry, you can’t enjoy it. Relax.
9. Give everything to God!
Frank, you need to trust me here. Following Jesus isn’t about rules. Part of this is the fault of your Christian culture. I apologize on their behalf.
The other side of the coin is you believe there is only one definition of fun.
God’s not trying to steal your fun. He’s trying to redeem it. You see, Frank, your current definition of fun doesn’t lead to life. Someone usually gets hurt, and often, that person is you.
NOTHING is more important than God. Love him with everything. He can be trusted. He is the only path to true life. The life most of your peers desire isn’t hard to attain. Just climb the ladder, make a few bucks, and fill your house with trinkets. But, I’ll tell you from experience. That life doesn’t satisfy. Trinkets won’t fill the void. They will keep you awake at night. You’ll wonder why you’re not filled even though you’ve attained the American Dream. There is, in fact, more to life.
His name is Jesus.
You can’t experience peace and joy when you give God half of your life. This is the problem with much of your culture. Most Christians give God just enough of their heart to make them miserable. Jesus says, “Seek FIRST the kingdom…”
Do this, Frank. And everything else will come.
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Congrats on graduation, Frank. Seriously, bro, I’m stoked for you. But in a very real sense, you’re not graduating. Stay hungry. Stay humble. Work with excellence. Trust God to fill the unknown.
Cast a vision for your life that’s larger than you. Live with intentionality. Be present. Make Jesus famous, whether you’re playing ball or working 8-5. All of life is sacred. Use all of it to worship God.
I love you all. To God be the glory forever. Amen!
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This article originally appeared at FrankPowell.me.
