Editor’s Note: I had the privilege of speaking at the Ozark High School baccalaureate service last night. I primarily used these “Two Life-Guiding, Foundational Principles” in the message to them. What a joy and privilege to speak to them.

In just days, you will take a walk across a stage to officially become a high school graduate. Those few steps and final moments kick off a period of incredible change in each of your lives. As high school graduates, you are at a pivotal moment – leaving the familiarity of school, facing new responsibilities, and navigating choices about college, careers, and relationships. This journey is filled with both excitement and uncertainty. You are standing at a crossroads, with dreams to chase and challenges to face. At this juncture, Jesus’ words in Matthew 22 give you a compass for the journey: love God supremely and love others sincerely. These two principles become the foundation for decision-making. Whether you are choosing a career, building friendships, or facing ethical dilemmas, loving God and others can guide you toward purposeful, fulfilling lives.

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
(Matt 22:37-40)

The Pathway: Loving God Supremely

Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) is about making Him the center of your life. For graduates, this principle anchors you amidst the pressures of a new season of life.

• Heart: Loving God with your heart involves passion and devotion, choosing to prioritize Him over all the competing desires both in you and around you (e.g., success, popularity, or material gain).
• Soul: This speaks to your core identity, trusting God to shape who you are becoming as you navigate adulthood.
• Mind: Loving God with your mind means pursuing truth, engaging with faith thoughtfully, and seeking wisdom through Scripture and prayer.

The Bible speaks of a handful of young people who were about the same age as those graduating this week. We do not have the time to flesh all these out; however, each one chose to honor God in a challenging moment, showing how devotion to God brought clarity or strength. Consider this incredible list: Daniel and his three Hebrew friends in Babylon; David is his early days watching sheep, fighting Goliath, and playing music before Saul; Joseph when faced with potential bitterness, imprisonment, and adultery; and Samuel growing up in a house of prostitution. These examples are just the beginning of those we could site who were willing to love God supremely in these early days of adulthood. Their supreme love for God gave each of them courage to stand firm. You will face similar moments – maybe in a classroom, workplace, or a relationship – where loving God first will define your path.

Here is the catch: you do not know what lies in the days ahead. However, if you will live your life loving God supremely, then you will be on the best path of righteousness, blessings, and comfort along the journey. As you make decisions, seek to employ God’s discernment along the journey. Weigh decisions against God’s will. For instance, before choosing a major or job, pray and ask, “Does this align with God’s purpose for me.

The best way to stay on the path is to develop spiritual disciplines. You should seek to establish and maintain habits like prayer, Bible reading, or journaling to help keep you rooted in God. Further, let me suggest you start each day by asking, “How can I honor God today?” Urge them to weigh decisions against God’s will. For instance, “Before choosing a major or job, pray and ask, ‘Does this align with God’s purpose for me?” Further, if you are moving away from home or going off to college, find a church or campus ministry to stay spiritually grounded.

Daily Steps: Loving Others Sincerely

Loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39) calls for genuine, selfless care for others. For graduates entering diverse environments, this principle can shape their relationships and impact.

Sincere love is active, not just a feeling; it shows up in kindness, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and selfless service to others. It is about seeing others as God sees them, while valuing their worth regardless of differences in background, beliefs, or behavior. Jesus modeled this love with His disciples, with Mary and Martha after the death of Lazarus, in many of His signs and miracles, in His compassion for the outcast, and in His sacrifice on the cross.

Whereas loving God supremely provided the path toward fulfilling life’s purpose, the command to love others sincerely provides the foundation for daily steps. Ask yourself questions like, “How does this decision affect those around me?” “Would these words and actions demonstrate kindness?” “How would I want someone to treat me in the same situation?”

As days move forward and situations arise, do not miss the lonely classmate or the opportunity to stand up for someone being unfairly treated. You might meet someone who feels like an outsider. A simple act of kindness – inviting them to coffee or listening – can reflect Jesus’ love. Make an effort to look for everyday opportunities to show love – as I have partially suggested above by helping a roommate, volunteering, or speaking kindly in heated debates. When there is conflict, seek forgiveness where necessary as an act of sincere love; as well, be ready to forgive those who need it. Further, stand with those around you against injustice, help those who face discrimination, seek to care for the marginalized similar to Jesus.

How do you get on the Pathway of God’s Purpose – Loving God Supremely?

The pathway – Loving God Supremely. The steps – Loving others sincerely. But how do you get started? For you as a graduate, standing at this crossroads of life, the answer lies in a deliberate choice to make God the foundation of your journey. Getting on the pathway of loving God supremely begins with a heart surrendered to Him, a soul anchored in His grace, and a mind committed to His truth.

First, start with a personal commitment to Christ. If you have not already, invite Jesus into your life as your Savior and Lord. Acknowledge your need for Him, confess your sins, and trust in His death and resurrection for your salvation (Rom 10:9-10). This is the entry point to the pathway – knowing God through a relationship with His Son. If you are already a believer, renew your commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly, asking, “Lord, where do You want to lead me next?”

Next, build a daily rhythm of seeking God. Loving God supremely is not a one-time decision; it is a lifestyle cultivated through spiritual disciplines. Begin each morning with prayer, even if it is a simple, “Lord, guide me today to honor You.” Open your Bible, even if just for a few verses – start with Psalms, Proverbs, or the Gospel of John. Consider journaling your thoughts or prayers to process what God is teaching you (this does not have to be fancy – sending texts to yourself will work just fine). These habits root you in God’s presence, helping you align your heart, soul, and mind with His purpose.

Then, surround yourself with godly community. Find a Bible-believing church where you can worship, grow, and serve alongside others. Connect with mentors or peers who will challenge you to stay on the path. Just as Daniel had his three friends in Babylon, you need people who will encourage your faith and hold you accountable. Do not try to walk this journey alone – God designed you for community.

Finally, take the first step with faith, not fear. You may not know what lies ahead, but you can trust the One who does. As you face decisions – about college, careers, or relationships – ask, “Does this choice help me love God more fully?” Weigh your options against Scripture and seek God’s wisdom through prayer. Even small steps, like choosing to honor God in a tough moment or seeking His guidance in a quiet one, set you on the pathway of His purpose. Then, figure out how it impacts those around you as you seek to love others sincerely.

Getting started is as simple as choosing today to love God with all you are. Take that step, graduate, and watch how He directs your path (Prov 3:5-6). Trust Him to lead you, and let your love for Him shape every moment of this new season.

A Prayer for the Graduate

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for these graduates, standing at the threshold of a new season. I pray that You would guide them to love You supremely with all their heart, soul, and mind, anchoring them in Your truth and purpose. May they seek You daily through prayer, Scripture, and steadfast devotion, making You the center of every decision, dream, and step they take. Grant them courage, like Daniel, David, Joseph, and Samuel, to stand firm in faith, even when the path is uncertain or the world presses against them.

Lord, I also pray that You would fill them with sincere love for others, reflecting the selfless compassion of Your Son, Jesus. Help them to see those around them as You see them – worthy of kindness, mercy, and grace. May they take daily steps to serve, forgive, and uplift others, whether in a classroom, workplace, or community, shining Your light in every interaction. Give them discernment to make choices that honor You and bless those around them, always asking, “How can I show Your love today?”

As they walk forward, may they carry Your presence, finding strength in Your promises and comfort in Your Spirit. Surround them with godly community – churches, mentors, and friends – who will encourage their faith. Let them go forward on the path of loving You with all they are and loving others with all they do, step-by-step, carrying Your light into the world. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Graduates, you are standing at a crossroads, with dreams to chase & challenges to face. At this juncture, Jesus’ words in Matthew 22 give you a compass for the journey. Share on X