To the Class of 2026
“What are you going to do now?”
How many times have you answered that recently as a high school senior? I don’t believe there is ill-intent in this question, but unfortunately I believe that it shows an old lie that we are all too quick to believe: “We are the sum of our actions.”
Resist this.
This line of thinking often leads to an identity crisis. In the world of the side hustle, influencer culture, and AI we often feel so highly pressured to perform. To do something that makes us stand out or makes us feel unique. Forced in a sense to reinvent ourselves to prove our worth and value to a world that is moving a million miles an hour. If you’re not doing “x, y, z” you’re getting left behind. Achieve and collect all you can! Make a name for yourself! These are the familiar platitudes of our modern world. I want to offer a different way of thinking about your future.
Close your eyes. I want you to imagine yourself 15-20 years from now. You achieved everything you ever wanted. You’re the CEO of the million dollar company, you’re in a happy marriage, you have great kids, you get to travel to all the places, all of it. It’s yours. Whatever you want.
But now… What happens when there is an economic crisis? The company has irreparable losses. You’re spouse or kids get diagnosed with a terminal illness. A global pandemic shuts down all travel (Hypothetically of course). Everything you worked for and love and enjoyed is gone. What is left?
Who are you?
I’m not trying to be a pessimist or a fatalist. But the reality is everything we often work toward in this world is ultimately temporary. This doesn’t mean they are inherently bad! Completely the contrary. I wish all of these things for each of you! I want you to be that CEO, I want you literally rolling in the dollars (and remember how much you like me when you are!). I want you to find that spouse that you couldn’t imagine life without! However, I need you to know that if you are looking to any or all of these things to give your life meaning and true satisfaction, you are going to be disappointed. They are great and will even bring you some happiness, but they cannot bear the weight of your soul. That’s not why they were made. The things we often think will bring us ultimate satisfaction, Just like we imagined a second ago, could disappear in the blink of an eye and leave us in shock wondering where it all went wrong. We need something stronger, more reliable, something that can never be taken away. Something that gives our souls the purpose they crave. Something that allows us to be content regardless of our situation. In Philippians 4, Paul says he found the secret to contentment whether in need or abundance.
1. Anchor Your Identity in Christ
High school graduation is a pivotal time in life because your identity is now truly becoming your own. You are going out into the world on your own and more than ever you are going to determine your own beliefs. You need something (or someone) to keep you grounded. Something to keep you steady in a world in constant flux. An anchor is a tool used in various fields to provide stability, security, or a fixed reference point. In the same way, Christ must be the anchor for your life during hardship, uncertainty, sickness, loss, failure, or success. Your identity is not found in your achievements, abilities, status, talents, or future plans. You were created intentionally in the image of God and with a purpose. Our souls deeply crave meaning, and only Christ can truly bear the weight of our identity. Philippians 4:10–13 reminds us that contentment and strength come from Christ, not from circumstances, possessions, or success.
“¹⁰I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. ¹²I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Now, where these things fail to live up to the longing of our souls, Christ remains steady. Many will worry that if they put their identity in Christ then they will “miss out” on the “good” parts of life. C. S. Lewis explains that this is because we are ignorant to what good actually awaits us in a life with Christ.
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
Infinite joy and ultimate soul rest that can withstand anything life throws at us. This can only be found in a life with Christ. It’s the true reason for which we were made. We live in a time where people have all the things they could ever dream of and yet they are still unsatisfied. Victor Frankl said, “People have enough to live by, but nothing to live for; they have means, but no meaning.” Your life has real, true meaning no matter what happens. Anchor your identity in Christ.
2. Do your best as an act of worship
Since our life has meaning regardless of our circumstances it may sound like I am celebrating mediocrity. As I was planning for this, I asked some friends; How do you encourage contentment without encouraging mediocrity? I think the answer lies here:
Success does not define you, and failure does not destroy your value. Faithfulness matters more than worldly recognition.
As a follower of Christ you should work hard, pursue excellence, and give your best effort in everything you do. Reach out for high achievements and set sky high goals, but be sure that your priorities are in order. We should not set out to achieve in order that we would feel recognized or fulfilled because again it won’t be enough. We are not trying to make a name for ourselves, rather we live in a way to glorify the name of Jesus through our lives. We’ve seen this proved over and over again where people who have everything imaginable are still left wanting. Remember: your worth is not determined by whether or not you achieve your goals.
If you put forth your best effort and succeed, praise God.
If you put forth your best effort and fail, praise God.
In my abundance, I praise God for his goodness, holding all of it with open hands in recognition that everything I am and everything I have is a gift. In turn, I use my gifts for His glory. In times of need, I am comforted knowing that my value and identity are secure in Him alone and not my circumstances. Either way, God be glorified through my life.
3. Keep your hope in God, the world is broken
Sometimes people who are selfish, greedy, or dishonest appear to succeed and doing everything “right” does not always lead to worldly success. Do not lose hope when life seems unfair. The reality is that we currently live in a broken world, but God is still good and sovereign. There will be a day when God makes all things right. Justice will prevail. Evil punished. Righteousness praised. A life committed to Christ will be worth anything it costs me now. The Psalmist wrestles with this…
“But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.”
Psalm 73:16-17
We need not concern ourselves with the “fairness” or “unfairness” in life. The reality is that we deserve death but, to echo Ephesians, God rich in mercy and grace has given to me more than I could ever ask or imagine. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The secret for a fulfilled life is this:
In everything you do; Love God, love people, and trust God with the rest.
You will make mistakes along the way, just be sure to always make new mistakes. This ensures that when you stumble, you stumble toward growth. God has a plan for your life. The enemy has a plan for your life. Prepare well so that you will be wise enough to know which one to battle and which one to embrace.
Anchor Your Identity in Christ
Do your best as an act of worship
Keep your hope in God, the world is broken
One last thing, if you don’t read, I highly recommend it and here are a few books to get you started!
Welcome to Adulting — Jonathan Pokluda
Live No Lies — John Mark Comer
Surviving Religion 101 — Micheal Kruger