In the next few weeks, many area teens will receive their diplomas, which means that they officially will be graduated.
Some have had education come naturally, while others have had to struggle, but they all need to understand that God has a plan for them. As they leave high school, there will be some major decisions to make. Some will make the right ones, while others will go in different directions than what God would intend.
There are many decisions to be made, but there are what I call there major ones to be considered:                                                                                                           
• The first and more important one is which God to serve. The Scripture teaches that there is only one God — Jehovah — and only one savior — Jesus — who can forgive us and allow us to have a relationship with this one God. Luke 4:8 confirms this: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only." The reason this decision is so important is that the Bible teaches that to accept this one God will lead to peace, forgiveness and eternal life, while to reject him will lead to a life without true purpose or inward peace and a future life of eternal punishment.
• A second major decision is what career to choose. No matter what choice is made here, continued education is important. Statistics tell us that there is a direct correlation between poverty and lack of education. As I mentioned earlier, God has a plan for each person, and understanding that plan early is critical. There have been so many who ignored God's plan and have made decisions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. This doesn't mean the Lord can't or won't forgive them, but it does mean they may have to settle for second best. We need to remember that every job is important if it is in the will of God. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you."
 The last major decision who to marry or if you should marry. This decision, when made incorrectly, has wrecked and altered many a life, but when made right, it has been a real blessing. The Scripture is very plain that a Christian is permitted only to marry someone who also trusts in Christ Jesus. Second Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." The person you marry can either make you or break you. The only guarantee I know that will prevent a divorce is for both parties in a marriage union to be totally committed to Christ.
 My prayer for the graduates is that they will take these major decisions seriously and allow God to direct their paths.