One of the best ways to learn is through experience, so I created this list of real Bible-centered advice for my graduating niece.
To My Niece,
I was once your age, eager to explore the world and discover who I am.
It wasn’t until my 20’s did I realize that life is a collage of moments and decisions.
Human memory is very tricky; picking, and choosing what information will be retained for future recall.
I pray you will learn from me and remember these words of wisdom as you mature.
1. Choose to Live
The goal is to make the most of every moment, knowing that it will soon pass, and to choose a life in Christ instead of death without Him. Do not let go of your faith as you discover yourself.
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for He is your life and length of days..."
Deut. 30:19-20 (ESV)
2. Change is Unavoidable
Relationships, personalities, preferences, situations, and desires will change as you evolve; it’s PERFECTLY normal, so embrace them. The only one that doesn’t change is God (Numbers 23:19)
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Eccl 3:1 (KJV)
3. Enjoy your Metabolism
Eat as your heart desires and enjoy your fast metabolism. Everyone's body is different but it is no secret that as you age your body's ability to process and breakdown food will slow down, causing weight gain.
"Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward." Eccl. 5:18 (CSB)
4. Discipline Yourself
In our youth, we tend to think we know what's best for our lives, which is fine. However, be polite and hear others’ advice; at the end of the day, you still have the power to choose.
"Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];" James 1:19 (AMP)
5. No Free Pass
Just as the saying "ignorance of the law excuses no one," life can be unforgiving, especially when it comes to mistakes. There are divine and physical consequences to every action and your lack of knowledge will not save you from them.
"The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." Prov. 22:3 (ESV)
"Now if anyone sins and does any of the things which the Lord has forbidden, though he was not aware of it, still he is guilty and shall bear his punishment." Lev. 5:17 (AMP)
6. Discover New Things
Life is beginning, its time to spread your wings and fly! Trying new foods, traveling the world, learning new things, and meeting new people can all help you find your strengths and weaknesses. Apply yourself. Embrace the future of you.
"fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isa. 41:10 (ESV)
7. Master Your Time
I learned my freshmen year in college that the key to success was to master time management. You have been trained since grade school to set aside time for each curriculum and eventually, you will accomplish great feats. Keep this self-discipline and you will always be productive.
"Making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil."
Eph. 5:16 (AMP)
8. Always Move Forward
Never stop learning and growing in the knowledge of the Lord and in your academics. Knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments are the possessions that no one can take away from you, desire this more than mere finances.
"Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15 (AMP)
"For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it." Ecc. 7:12 (ESV)
9. Dream Bigger
Don't be afraid to pursue what you love. Often times our passions in life lead us to our destiny. God can use positive things, your skills & education, as well as the negative experiences, failures & regrets, to mold you. God must be your central focus or you will miss out on your purpose.
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24 (KJV)
10. Be Money Smart
Give back to God what He has given you by donating to the Church, the Poor, the Widow, and the Fatherless. This is called tithes when 10% of all your income is given to the Church, and offerings are anything given in addition to the minimum 10%. Make sure to pay God 1st and not last!
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;" Prov. 3:9 (ESV)
“Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure -pressed down, shaken together, and running over- will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” Luke 6:38 (CSB)
Credit = the ability to borrow money that you'll pay back later
Credit is a very valuable tool to have, especially when you are ready to make large purchases.
Below are 6 factors that create your credit score:
i. Payment History - Make ALL payments early or on their due dates.
ii. Credit Use - Don’t max out your card, instead try to use less than 30% of your limit.
iii. Derogatory Marks - If you neglect to pay your bills, you will receive a bad mark on your record that will last 7- 10 years.
iv. Credit Age - Keep credit accounts open, and in good standing as long as possible, it shows that you have experience.
v. Total Accounts - Having different credit accounts, like a student loan or credit card, improves your score and shows that other lenders trust you.
vi. Hard Inquiries - The number of times you’ve applied for credit harms your score for up to two years. Try to apply for new credit only 2-3 times a year.
Tip: Some monthly bills do NOT build credit (utility, cell phone, internet, and rent). Two main ways you can start building is with credit cards(bank or retail store) and loans (student or auto).
Please share this post with any young adult ready to take on the world.
留言