What should I do with my life once I graduate?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A good place to start when considering what opportunities we should pursue is looking at God’s overarching purpose for our life as His uniquely designed creatures (Psalm 139:13–18). According to the wise King Solomon, the “whole duty of man” is to extend reverence to God and obey His Word (Ecclesiastes 12:13b). As children of God, we are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) and are commanded to love God and others (Mark 12:30-31). As we navigate this new chapter of our life, we should focus on trusting God for guidance (Proverbs 3:5), wisdom (James 1:5), and rest (Matthew 11:28–30). We may also experience some peace about our plans by asking godly people we can trust for counsel (Proverbs 15:22) and remembering that as we draw near to God during this chaotic season of our life, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The foundation of our plans should be the knowledge that we are children of God (Psalm 139:13–18).
• We should trust in God as we receive His direction (Proverbs 3:5-6) through His Holy Word and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
• Aside from coming to God for guidance, we can seek the wise counsel of those who love God and love us (Proverbs 15:22).
• It is okay to not have all the answers as long as we know what our priority should be: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13b).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus invites, even beckons us, to understand what it means to trust Him with our future.Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28–30). He wants us to come to Him with our anxieties about the future.
• Many Christians believe that there is only one path they must go on to be blessed by God, but this is unbiblical. We can find some peace in knowing that in any career path we choose, we can “follow God’s path for our life” so to speak, by fulfilling His command to love Him and love others (Mark 12:30-31). He will work out our circumstances for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
• Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We have the fingerprints of God all over us, having been created by Him. As His children, we can do good works, such as evangelizing to people on the mission field, raising our children in the way of the Lord, or working hard at a job in which we are Christ’s light to our co-workers. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we can do good works.
• James 1:5 says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” If we are struggling to make a decision or are unable to be at peace with where our life is going, we can come to God in humility and ask Him for wisdom on our situation—and He will give it.
• God draws near to us when we draw near to Him (James 4:8). When we draw near to God, He reveals to us who He is and what He does; then we can understand with great reverence what His general will is for the world and for us.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

It is God's loving care, His providence, that enables us to think well of the future. The Bible is full of encouragement for us, helping us to understand how important we are to God and offering very plain counsel on how we should live (i.e. John 3:16; Zephaniah 3:17; 1 Peter 5:6–7; Psalm 86:15; Philippians 2:1–11; Colossians 3:17, 23). The Bible helps us understand and make sense of all areas of our lives— relationships, work, school, and more. As you consider what you might do after graduation—whether to take one job or another one, move to a new city or stay at home, continue in school or start a small business—you are free to choose what you desire, but the focal point of your decision should be loving God and loving others well. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and trust that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, those who are called by Him (Romans 8:28). Whatever you do, remember this: "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain …" (Psalm 127:1).

UNDERSTAND

• Christian graduates are free to pursue their desires, as long as they align with Bible principles.
• The foundation of any decision should be loving God and loving others.
• Graduates should seek wisdom from God and from godly people about what to do after graduation.

REFLECT

• How might knowing that you’re a child of God impact your plans post-graduation?
• How can you ensure that you prioritize loving God and loving others as you plan for the future?
• In what areas of your planning do you need to trust God more?

ENGAGE

• How do the world’s priorities for graduates contrast with the priorities of graduates who are children of God?
• How can believers engage with recent graduates who are unsure of their path in life?
• What are some biblical principles that may help graduates to navigate their new chapter in life?