Yesterday, November 20, 2016 was the 89th Commencement Exercises of Central Philippine University in its 111 years of existence. Families from all over converged at Rose Memorial Auditorium to witness the graduation rites of their respective loved ones.

The word that came into my mind when I saw the throng of graduates was “Continue.” I am praying for them to just “Continue.” Here are four challenges for the graduates to “Continue,” and of course these challenges are also for all of us.

First, continue the exemplary teachings that you have received especially those teachings from the Bible and those lessons that lead to salvation.

Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-15 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Second, continue to live out your salvation wherever you may go.

Paul reminded the Philippians Christians in Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…”

Third, continue to live for Christ and in Christ.

Paul challenged those who received Christ to show it in their lives — Col 2:6 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him…”

Fourth, continue to share your blessings and God’s favor to others.

Paul reminded the church in Galatia not to disregard those who are in need — Galatians 2:10 “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

Congratulations dear graduates! May you continue to be shining examples wherever God will lead you to go.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Acting Director
Office of Communications
Central Philippine University