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So the last few challenging years have been important to me, not only in a political or professional sense but in a spiritual sense as well. It is encouraging to see that millions of other Americans have experienced a similar renewal of religious faith in recent years. A Gallup Poll this spring showed that 94 percent of the American people believe in God; 56 percent consider religion very important in their lives. This survey indicates that there is still a surprising amount of truth in a foreign visitor's observation about America early in this century: "This is a nation," he said, "with the soul of a church."

Those of you who graduate today have made a commitment to keep that kind of spiritual strength alive and growing as America enters its third century. There are millions of troubled people in this world who need your help; people who are hungry in body and in spirit, who live in pain and fear without hope; people whose lives can be immeasurably enriched by your ministry. This work is not easy, but the reward is so great! "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." As you go from this place to seek your inheritance, may God go with you and bless you all. Thank you.

This article originally appeared in the July 29, 1977, issue of Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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December (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50