To brethren, living in corrupt Corinth, Paul closes his first letter to them: “Watch ye; Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (I Cor. 16:13 AS). William D. Poe stated: “The most important thing in the world that makes young people civilized is good old people.“¹

J. Edgar Hoover adds:

“The bulwark of religious training is vital if the line is to be held against the forces of corruption, crime and disloyalty. I believe that men imbued with spiritual values do not betray their country. I believe that children reared in homes in which morality is taught and lived rarely become delinquents.“²

The above thoughts are related to the new Wednesday Night Bible Class entitled, “Strong Men For Tough Times.” What a practical subject! When our world faces a crumbling morality, plus so much strife in even spiritual circles, the need is critical for every servant of the Savior to be mature, strong men for the Master. It was heartening to walk out of that packed classroom, seeing Young Men walking beside some caring, Christian adults. The Psalmist wrote of a time and training where one “satisfies your years with good things, so that your Youth is renewed like the eagle” (Psalm 103:5) The eagle is a symbol of strength!

Robert H. Shaffer wrote: “We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit” (Inspiring Quotations, #2978, p.222). May the material in this class, shared by young and old together, build a bulwark of convictions and character that will stand and speak for the Son of God, offering a solution for the shame and slush that surrounds us. May our motives and manners be pure, with both spiritual light and love offered in Christ-like conduct.

With proper training and teaching, the Lord’s servants, young and old, can truly be the salt to season society and the light to lead the lost to His eternal home. Then, as Albert M Wells, Jr. stated it, “All that steam you see is caused by Young People trying to set on fire a world that is all wet!” (Inspiring Quotations , #2983, p.222).

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¹Albert M. Wells, Jr., Inspiriting Quotations ,, Thomas Nelson Publisher, Nashville, 1988, #2976, p. 222.

²Frank S. Mead, 12,000 Inspirational Quotations, A Division of Merriam- Webster, Incor., Springfield, Massachusetts, 2004, p.482.