This year, I spoke to the seniors at our Ministerial Alliance baccalaureate service.

My sermon was based on Luke 15:8-10 and the parable of the woman who had ten coins and lost one. As a parable, it reveals a truth about the kingdom of God. The picture he paints reveals a more profound truth about our walk of faith.

I pointed out two lessons from Jesus’ teaching for them to learn. First, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about the value of every person, even tax collectors and sinners. Every person, including these seniors, needs to understand that all people have value and worth to God. Therefore, we should treat all people with dignity, respect, and love.

Second, Jesus spoke to the tax collectors and sinners who had gathered there. He was emphasizing that their lives had value and worth to God. Their mistakes and careers did not define them; their worth came from God, and nothing could take that away. Whenever we make mistakes in life, we need to understand that our value is not diminished in God’s sight.

I hope these seniors will carry these lessons into life as they succeed and fail in their chosen paths after graduation. I also hope they will shape the lives of every believer—even you.