The commencement address is in fact the last formal speech that most graduates of colleges and universities will ever hear. They are tailored to be a spring of practical wisdom that I have always thought deserves more attention than they usually receive. They have been referred to as a sermon, secular in nature yet filled with lasting principles, timeless wisdom and real-life lessons designed to give lasting advice and counsel to those who are about to move the tassel from the right to the left thus bringing to an end a very long journey of learning.
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Harrison Butker, 28, the placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League, delivered the commencement address at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. This little speech has made quite an impact! For my part, though not a member of the Catholic faith, it was not only spot on, but it has brought criticism which is quite revealing to the fabric and condition of our culture in America today!
Here is a small excerpt which has set ablaze the collective hair of many a liberal mind… “For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.
I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I'm on the stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I'm beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker. [Applause lasting 18 seconds] She is a primary educator to our children. She is the one who ensures I never let football, or my business become a distraction from that of a husband and father.” How about that! For some, this is scandalous and offensive? For most Americans however, we all said, “thank you Harrison for the spot-on perspective!”
The advice he shared is based on and balanced by the word of God. As a Pastor, one of my favorite verses to focus on during a graduation Sunday service was 2 Timothy 3:14 which says, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” Paul’s advice in context referred to the scriptures and the important place they must always have in the life of those who were about to turn the page on a new chapter in their young lives. My advice to the graduates present was, you’ve earned some respect…you’ve sharpened your edge…but don’t “fly off the handle” in the pride”, rather, whet the edge and keep your edge in life!
John Adams wisely said, “There are two types of education: One should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live.” Knowledge of the scriptures gives substance to faith and stabilization during times of testing. There needs to be in you something that keeps you pure and true! Psalm 119 tells us “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Knowledge of scripture enables us to handle the Bible accurately. In academia where liberal theology or often no theology abounds, it is paramount to know how to defend your faith in God. When someone walks away from faith it usually doesn’t happen intellectually. More often they grow cold in their experience and are drawn away from righteous living. They then find ways to justify their actions, a system of thinking… casuistry… a system of justifying wrong behavior. Knowledge of the scriptures equips us to detect and confront error.
There was a young boy who was the son of a drifter. This boy worked as a store clerk for a while, but the store failed. He bought a partnership in another store, but it failed also. He ran for legislature and lost both times. He ran for vice-president and lost. He became the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. His life and legacy reflect that he knew the value of the scriptures. With the right advice and influence, God can do great and lasting things!
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