No one has asked me to give a commencement address. If they did, I think I’d say three (very short) things. Here is my best advice to the graduates of 2024 – and all the rest of us. It is ancient wisdom originally written by a Jewish prophet named Micah who lived at least 700 years before Jesus.
#1. Do Right
Various translations say “do justice” or “do rightly.” In most cases, it isn’t even hard to figure out which thing is right. Steal the shirt or pay for it? Lie to your roommate about who ate the Ramen or tell the truth? Show up for work or call in fake sick? We make our decisions way too complicated in this noisy world. Just do right.
#2. Love Kindness
This sometimes translates to “love mercy.” I think that sounds more poetic for a speech, but kindness seems more obvious. Can you imagine how the world would change if we reminded ourselves to love kindness every time we opened a social media app? Or every time someone with a sign shouted in our face? Be kind.
#3. Walk humbly with your God.
And with your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, shopkeepers, professors, bus drivers, baristas, pastors, and strangers ahead of you in line. The list goes on, but you get it. Stay humble.
Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly. Such good advice. Thanks, Micah.
I love that Micah verse!
Yes! It has always been a comfort to me. I like to keep it simple.