"Profound" INSPIRATIONAL & Motivational 2024 Graduation Speech - Mike Thakur

Summary

In this inspiring commencement address, the speaker encourages the graduating class of 2024 to embrace the newfound freedom and choices they will face as adults. He emphasizes the importance of making intentional decisions based on faith and God's plan, building healthy boundaries, and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals. The speaker also highlights the challenges of new friendships, questioning beliefs, and the complexities of life, urging graduates to seek God's guidance, ask meaningful questions, and maintain a strong faith. He shares personal anecdotes and life hacks, such as 'clean as you go' and 'follow the favor,' to guide them through their journey. The speech concludes with a reminder to dream big, act on those dreams, and trust in God's plan, no matter the path.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace the newfound freedom and use it to define the kind of adult you become, by being intentional with your choices and building on healthy boundaries like integrity and trustworthiness.
• 👥 Prepare to make new friends and be aware that as a Christian, your values and beliefs will be under attack. Surround yourself with people who share your faith and can help you thrive.
• 🤔 Be ready to question things you've never questioned before, including your faith and lifestyle. When doubts arise, seek answers and run towards Jesus rather than away from Him.
• 🛡️ Understand that your faith will be tested, especially when you leave the safety of home. Equip yourself with spiritual armor and be prepared to stand against challenges.
• 🙏 Pray for God's will to be done and His kingdom to come, recognizing that part of this involves your active participation in bringing God's love to a world in need.
• 💡 Keep an eye out for 'glimpses' in life, which are moments that God uses to guide and show you where your heart and dreams are headed.
• 🛑 When you feel like you're on the wrong path or your dreams are not unfolding as expected, don't hold them too tightly; be open to God's different or new plans for you.
• 🔍 Look back at where God's favor has rested in your life to help navigate your next steps and decisions.
• 🚀 Don't limit yourself to traditional paths; be open to doing things differently and better, as God can work through you anywhere.
• 🕊️ Learn to walk in a friendship with Jesus, not just follow Him, and enjoy spending time with Him as you would with loved ones.
• 🌊 Life will have its ups and downs; handle them with grace and try to make the journey fun, regardless of the challenges you face.

Q & A

What are the four main points the speaker discusses for the graduates to consider as they start their journey into adulthood?

The speaker discusses: 1) Experiencing more freedom and how to use it; 2) Making new friends and the impact of their values; 3) Questioning things, including faith and lifestyle; and 4) The increasing complexity and distractions of life.

How does the speaker define the importance of freedom for the new adults?

The speaker emphasizes that freedom will define the kind of adults they become, as it involves making choices and being intentional about creating their own standards based on God's plan and boundaries.

What does the speaker suggest as a guiding principle for making decisions in the face of new-found freedom?

The speaker suggests using the phrase 'just because you can doesn't mean you should' as a guiding principle for making decisions and choosing how to use their freedoms.

According to the speaker, why should the graduates be cautious about the new friends they make?

The speaker advises being cautious because the values and beliefs of new friends can shape who they become, and it's critical to surround themselves with people who love Jesus and share their faith.

What biblical reference does the speaker use to emphasize that God has a plan for each individual?

The speaker refers to Jeremiah 1, which states that God knew each one of us before he even created the foundations of the world, indicating a personal and intentional plan for everyone.

How does the speaker encourage the graduates to deal with questions and potential faith crises?

The speaker encourages the graduates to ask questions, seek answers, and not to run away from their faith but to press in and find Jesus, especially when their faith feels distant or challenged.

What does the speaker mean by 'fighting the noise and distractions to maintain peace and patience'?

The speaker means that as life becomes more complicated, it's important to establish practices that keep one grounded, such as making time for Jesus in daily routines, to avoid being robbed of peace, patience, and attention.

What are the two life hacks the speaker shares from his personal experiences?

The two life hacks are: 1) 'Clean as you go' (CAYG), emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and orderliness; and 2) 'Follow the favor', which means looking back to see where God's favor has rested on one's life to guide future decisions.

How does the speaker describe the concept of 'glimpses' and their significance in life?

The speaker describes 'glimpses' as moments or clues placed by God to guide individuals, showing where their hearts lean and where their hopes and dreams are headed. They are significant because they can provide direction and understanding of one's purpose.

What advice does the speaker give regarding pursuing dreams and God's will for one's life?

The speaker advises not to hold dreams too tightly and to be open to change, suggesting that God may have different dreams or a different timing. He also recommends following God's favor and looking for 'glimpses' to understand His will.

How does the speaker relate his personal journey and struggles to the graduates' future experiences?

The speaker shares his own experiences of failure, change, and success to illustrate that God's plan may not always be clear and that it's okay to take steps of faith that don't make immediate sense. He encourages the graduates to trust in God's guidance and timing.