Checklist for Life for Graduates: Timeless Wisdom and Foolproof Strategies for Making the Most of Life's Challenges and Opportunities

By Checklist for Life

The fifth title in the Checklist for Life series is uniquely designed to equip graduates with tools for facing the challenges and opportunities of college and career. Using Scripture and timely, practical advice, this interactive handbook addresses sixty-six topics important to grads, such as how to live on your own, how to make good choices, and how to prepare for success. Each chapter covers the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the issue at hand and contains:

• An "I Will" checklist of heart and attitude reinforcements
• A "Things to Do" checklist of action points
• A "Things to Remember" section of Scripture verses and applicable quotations from famous and not-so-famous people

With both practical and inspirational content, Checklist for Life for Graduates is an ideal gift for every graduate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Apr 13, 2004
• ISBN: 9781418557751

Book preview

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Checklist for Life

for Graduates

Presented To:

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Presented By:

3

Date:

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Checklist for Life

for Graduates

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Checklist for Life

for Graduates

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Copyright 2004 by GRQ Ink, Inc.

Franklin, Tennessee 37067

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured from the publisher to use or reproduce any part of this book, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.

Scripture quotations noted NKJV are from THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. • Scripture quotations noted CEV are from THE CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION. © 1991 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission. • Scripture quotations noted GOD’S WORD are from GOD’S WORD, a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted KJV are from the KING JAMES VERSION. • Scripture quotations noted the message are from The Message: The New Testament in Contemporary English. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NASB are from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. • Scripture quotations noted NCV are from The Holy Bible, New Century Version®, copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Nashville, TN 37214. Used by permission. • Scripture quotations noted NIV are from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NIRV are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION. Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NLT are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NRSV are from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, Copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of The Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted TLB are from The Living Bible, copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted GNT are from the Good News Translation. Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. • Scripture quotations noted MLB are from THE MODERN LANGUAGE BIBLE, The New Berkley Version in Modern English, Revised Edition. Copyright © 1945, 1959, 1969 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Managing Editor: Lila Empson

Manuscript written by Marcia Ford

Design: Whisner Design Group

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Checklist for life for graduates.

p. cm.

ISBN 0-7852-6186-9 (pbk.)

1. Youth--Religious life. 2. Youth--Conduct of life. I. Thomas Nelson Publishers.

BV4531.3.C475 2004

248.8'34--dc22

2004001456

Printed in the United States of America

04 05 06 07 08 CJK 5 4 3 2 1

Heart Attitude

I am confident that God has His hand on my life.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Learn to Be a Lifeguard (Alertness)

Banning Burnout (Balance)

Sharp Focus (Single-Mindedness)

An Intelligent Defense (Biblical Worldview)

Grief Transformed (Brokenness)

A Generous Gift (Wisdom)

Where Do I Go from Here? (Career)

Never-Ending Options (Choices)

Words to the Wise (Communication)

Ungodly Games (Competition)

Compassionate Response (Constructive Criticism)

Freely Given (Grace)

Downward Spiral (Corruption)

Moral Valor (Courage)

On Your Own (Leaving Home)

Created to Be Creative (Inventiveness)

Hidden in Your Heart (Dreams)

Respectful but Independent (Family)

Who’s to Know? (Ethics)

Your Life’s Greatest Work (Failure)

Mastering Money (Finances)

Moving Mountains (Faith)

Facing the Unknown (Fear)

Following Through (Responsibility)

In One Accord (Fellowship)

A Change in the Program (Flexibility)

Is Anyone There? (Loneliness)

Second Chances (Forgiveness)

The First Move (Making Friends)

Who Cares? (Consequences)

Your Personal Adviser (Goals)

Fall on Your Knees (Gratitude)

Brick by Brick (Laying a Foundation)

High Standards (Honesty)

Never Give Up (Hope)

Nitty-Gritty Confession (Accountability)

Laugh Track (Humor)

Lifelong Learning (Intellectual Life)

Assembly Line (Conformity)

Setting an Example (Leadership)

Guarding Your Heart (Love)

Is That You, God? (Calling)

Prime of Life (Maturity)

Life Coach (Mentors)

True North (Mission Statement)

Regard for Authority (Respect)

Under Authority (Obedience)

Theory of Relativity (Perspective)

Healthy Choice (Physical Well-Being)

Good Thinking (Common Sense)

Two-Way Conversation (Prayer)

Delayed Reaction (Procrastination)

Steady Output (Diligence)

Just Like Breathing (Spiritual Life)

Past Imperfect (Regrets)

Time-Out (Rest)

Reconcilable Differences (Roommates)

Day by Day (Time Management)

In Seclusion (Solitude)

Golden Opportunity (Success)

Life Happens (Trials)

Wise Whys (Motives)

Just a Job? (Work)

Fit for a King (Worship)

Full Speed Ahead (Zeal)

Changing Times (Transitions)

Introduction

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

PSALM 34:8 NKJV

Have you ever been so excited in your life? Here you are, a graduate—ready to take on the world. No one can hold you back now. You’re pumped, you’re primed, you’re prepared. It’s time to get on with real life.

If that’s not the way you’re feeling right now, you’re not alone. Your peers may seem as if they’re ready to roll, but it’s likely that deep down, they’re feeling at least some measure of uncertainty. Those who have decided to continue on with their education may be wondering if they have chosen the right school for their field of study. Friends entering military service have their own set of concerns, from the stories they’ve heard about basic training to the places of unrest to which they may be sent. Those going into the workplace may be questioning if they can cut it in a clearly adult environment.

What you could use right now is a guidebook, a manual for survival in the world you’re about to enter. You probably already have the most important one—the Bible. In its pages you’ll find the wisdom you need to navigate your way through adulthood. Consider the book you’re holding to be a companion to your Bible, a handbook designed to assist you in those first critical years after you’ve graduated and left home.

Look over the table of contents and the first few chapters to get an idea of how this manual is organized. Use the book however you like, either reading each chapter in sequence or turning to a topic of particular interest to you on any given day. The important thing is to use it. As you check off each item that you accomplish, you can gain a greater sense of achievement and progress on the path to adulthood.

Keep your Bible and a notebook nearby as you work your way through the book. It’s time to get going—on a truly exciting adventure, now that you know you have the tools you need.

Maturity begins to grow when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself.

—JOHN MACNAUGHTON

To insure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.

WILLIAM LONDEN

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 NKJV

Work will win when wishy-washy wishing won’t.

THOMAS S. MONSON

[Jesus said,] 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.

MATTHEW 11:29 NKJV

God wishes to test you like gold in the furnace. The dross is consumed by the fire, but the pure gold remains and its value increases.

JEROME EMILIANI

Beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

JUDE 20–21 NASB

It is not your business to succeed, but to do right; when you have done so, the rest lies with God.

C. S. LEWIS

Checklist for Life for Graduates

Facing it, always facing it, that’s the way to get through.

Face it.

—Joseph Conrad

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

—Psalm 16:11 NKJV

Alertness

Learn to Be a Lifeguard

Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.

1 PETER 5:8 CEV

It’s a sweltering day, the kind that makes you want to get wet and stay wet as long as possible. You and your friends hop in a car and head for the beach or pool, only to be confronted by a sign reading: No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. It didn’t say you couldn’t go in the water, and it didn’t say you couldn’t have fun. If you’re at the beach, you’ll just have to be careful not to get caught in a strong undertow, a potentially deadly rip current, or the jaws of an especially hungry shark. At a pool you and your friends will have to go easy on the roughhousing so you don’t get hurt.

In many ways your life from this point on will be like a day at the beach without a lifeguard. As you go out on your own, you become increasingly responsible for your own safety as well as that of others around you. Sure, you can dive right in and have a great time, but you need to stay alert to the dangers that are lying in wait, ready to take you down. You are vulnerable, and your adversary, the devil, knows it.

A lifeguard constantly scans the water for signs of danger. In a similar way you must remain watchful for the warning signs of trouble to come in your life—and one of the surest ways to heighten your level of awareness is by cultivating your relationship with God. Then, at the first sign of potential trouble—which can be something as obvious as an invitation to a questionable party or as subtle as an uneasy feeling in your spirit—your sensitivity to God’s activity in your life can keep you alert to the obvious and subtle dangers.

In human terms you are the lifeguard of your own soul. Thankfully, there’s no need for you to be on watch alone. You can enlist the help of a lifeguard buddy, another believer who is equally aware of trouble on the horizon. Even better, God’s Spirit can see far beyond the horizon of your own limited vision and the depth of your own understanding. He is constantly guarding your life as well, ready to alert you to the dangers that threaten to bring you down. As long as you stay alert to those inner nudges from the Holy Spirit—and to all that’s going on around you—you can safely take the plunge and still have fun.

I Will

Things to Do

1 Read Jesus’ parables in Matthew 24 and 25 to see how He illustrated the concept of watchfulness.

1 List those areas of your life in which you know you are particularly vulnerable.

1 Ask God to always protect you and keep you alert when your vulnerabilities are exposed to danger.

1 Find a spiritual lifeguard buddy, a friend with whom you share the responsibility to be on guard for each other.

1 Read Mark 13:35-37 for an illustration of the need for round-the-clock vigilance.

Thank God for sending His Spirit to remain on watch for you.

Things to Remember

Every man who observes vigilantly and resolves steadfastly grows unconsciously into genius.

EDWARD G. BULWER-LYTTON

They that are on their guard and appear ready to receive their adversaries are in much less danger of being attacked than the supine, secure, and negligent.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

1 PETER 4:7 NKJV

Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 TIMOTHY 4:5 NKJV

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 NKJV

[Jesus said,] If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’

MARK 13:36–37 NIV

[Jesus said,] Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

MARK 14:38 NKJV

God’s people avoid evil ways, and they protect themselves by watching where they go.

PROVERBS 16:17 CEV

Balance

Banning Burnout

Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself.

EXODUS 18:18 NKJV

He was on his way to becoming a classic workaholic. Although his career in the justice system had only recently begun, he had already taken on more responsibility than any one person could hope to manage effectively. In the nick of time, this overworked judge got a much-needed visit from a surprisingly wise man—his father-in-law, who had a personal stake in making sure this young man didn’t burn out. Jethro gave his son-in-law, Moses, a crash course in delegating authority, one that made the Israelites’ fledgling justice system flow more smoothly and spared Moses a lot of grief.

Are you on your way to becoming a modern-day Moses before Jethro got to him? Take a look at those things that consume your time. Are you so focused on your plans after graduation that you’ve given little thought and time to your family or your health? Maybe your situation is quite the opposite—your daily two-hour workouts at the gym have left you with little opportunity to spend time with God or to continue your job hunt. Pay attention to the observations made by people who care about you. Has anyone suggested you might be taking a certain activity in your life a bit too seriously? Like Jethro, those people may hold the key to keep you from burning out.

Burnout, though, is just one of the results of an unbalanced life. When you place too much emphasis on one area of your life, you can expect to suffer losses in other areas. No doubt you have learned by now that if you spend too much time hanging out with your friends, your grades will suffer. In the same way, if you concentrate too much on academics or work or even church activities, your personal relationships may suffer. It’s especially hard to keep important responsibilities from throwing your life out of balance. No matter how important an activity is, God never intended any one facet of your life to become all-consuming.

Remember this: Keeping your spiritual life in balance will enable you to keep the other aspects of your life in perspective because you are primarily a spiritual person. God designed you to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit, and He wants you to enjoy the life He’s given you. A healthy spirit helps you better understand how to keep your body and mind healthy and allows you to enjoy life to the fullest.

I Will

Things to Do

1 Read a book on organizing your life, such as Bobb Biehl’s On My Own Handbook.

1 Ask God to show you where your life may be out of balance.

1 Ask God to show you which areas of your life need more attention right now.

1 Write down on an index card what God shows you and tape it to your mirror.

1 Read the story of Jethro and Moses in Exodus 18.

1 Assess the health of your body, your mind, and your spirit; do something today to make each one healthier.

Things to Remember

Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.

BRIAN TRACY

The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.

ZIG ZIGLAR

Martha, Martha, the Lord answered. You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her.

LUKE 10:41-42 NIRV

[Jesus said,] Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me.

JOHN 15:4 TLB

[Jesus said,] The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.

MATTHEW 13:22 NLT

In all matters requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, the king found the advice of these young men to be ten times better than that of all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

DANIEL 1:20 NLT

Single-Mindedness

Sharp Focus

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

COLOSSIANS 3:2 NKJV

After a grueling three and a half years of college, Justin was finally able to relax. He had planned his course schedule so that during the final semester before graduation he would have to take only twelve credits, leaving him plenty of time for a part-time job and a volunteer position with a campus ministry.

Then the manager of the mall store where he had worked throughout his college years made him a tantalizing offer: He could become an assistant manager, with a significant pay raise and a guaranteed forty-hour workweek with benefits. If he accepted the position, Justin could easily afford the payments on a shiny new car he’d had his eye on for the last few weeks, plus meet his living expenses and have money left over for some fun now and then.

This was too good to be true. He thought it over, made an appointment to meet with his manager, and was all set to accept the offer. Of course, this means you’ll have to work until closing every weeknight and all day on Sunday, his manager said. You’ll have to cover for the other employees if we’re shorthanded. Justin’s heart sank. He faced a