Dear Graduates: Don’t Leave Jesus Behind

Graduation is a milestone — a turning point where childhood ends and real life begins. Whether you’re heading to college, the workforce, or chasing big dreams, it’s a season of change. But with all the excitement and new freedom, there’s one thing I urge you not to forget:

Stay grounded.

Not in your goals. Not in your talents. Not even in your parents’ advice.

Stay grounded in Jesus Christ.

The world is going to offer you everything — success, validation, pleasure, attention — but it won’t offer you the one thing that can truly anchor your soul. I know this because I’ve lived it. And I want to speak to you today not as a critic, but as someone who made the mistake of leaving Jesus behind.

I Grew Up in the Church — But I Drifted

I was raised knowing about God. I heard the sermons. I went to Sunday school. But when I stepped into adulthood, I didn’t stay grounded. I left the solid footing of Scripture and chose instead to follow what felt good.

Drinking quickly became my escape. It was subtle at first, then it consumed years of my life. I lost myself in the very freedom I thought I wanted. Even though I’d been raised in truth, I hadn’t made my faith my own — and without being rooted in Christ, I was easily uprooted by the world.

In my book, The Weather’s Fine, I talk openly about that season — the pain, the rebellion, and the long road back to Jesus. My story is a warning, but it’s also a testimony of God’s relentless grace.

Don’t Let the World Define You

The culture around you is loud. It will tell you to live your truth, follow your heart, and express your identity — no matter what God says.

But hear me: The truth is not subjective.
And freedom without Christ is just another form of bondage.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy… Rather, stay grounded in Christ.” — Colossians 2:8 (paraphrased)

This is the reality you’re walking into — especially in college, in your first job, or when you move away from home. You’ll meet people who question God, mock Scripture, and embrace lifestyles that reject biblical truth. If your foundation isn’t strong now, you’ll be swept away later.

What It Means to Stay Grounded

Being grounded in Christ isn’t about religious habits — it’s about spiritual survival. When the storms of temptation, doubt, or pressure come (and they will), you need deep roots.

Here’s what staying grounded looks like:

• Daily time in God’s Word – not to earn points, but to hear His voice
• A prayer life that’s real – talking to Him, not just about Him
• Accountability and fellowship – people who will call you back to truth
• Courage to stand out – even when the crowd mocks your convictions

You’re not too young to live boldly for Jesus. You don’t need to “find yourself” in the world — you need to stay grounded in the One who already knows you. If you’re wondering how to practically stay grounded after graduation, this article from GotQuestions.org offers some great biblical guidance.

“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” — Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

A Message to Parents and the Church

Parents, pastors, and mentors — this season is critical. Your influence matters, but so does your example. Don’t just celebrate your graduate with parties and gifts. Speak life. Speak Scripture. Be honest about the dangers that lie ahead if they let go of Christ.

And church — stop sugarcoating the gospel. Young people are not helped by soft truths. They are helped by strong truth spoken in love.

When I look at my own YouTube and website analytics, I can see that young adults aren’t the ones consuming my content. And that breaks my heart. These are the very people who need to hear the message of staying grounded in Christ — because they are the ones under the most spiritual attack right now.

Read my blog on how culture subtly undermines biblical values to understand how today’s entertainment shapes minds.

Don’t Be Another Statistic

If you’re a graduate reading this, I want you to know: You are not immune. Studies show that a huge percentage of Christians walk away from the faith during college or early adulthood. But statistics don’t have to dictate your story.

You can be different.

You can be bold.

You can stay grounded.

I wrote more about this challenge in Why Truth Is Exclusive: A Biblical Response to Universalism, where I explain why Christianity isn’t just one option — it’s the truth that sets us free.

If I could go back and talk to 18-year-old Arch, I’d say this: “Don’t trade God’s truth for the world’s applause. Don’t dull your convictions to fit in. Don’t walk away from Jesus — because He never walked away from you.”

Your Faith Is Not Meant to Be Private

We’re told to keep faith out of the public square. To keep our beliefs “personal.” But Christianity has never been about silence. Jesus calls us to proclaim the truth, not hide it. I recently shared my thoughts on how to do this wisely in Being a Bold Christian Without Being Combative.

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 10:32 (NIV)

You’re not meant to blend in. You’re meant to shine.

So shine.

Speak up.

Stand out.

Stay grounded.

And don’t leave Jesus behind — because He is the only one who will go with you wherever you go.

Arch Kennedy
Where Faith Meets Culture — Bold, Unfiltered, and Unafraid