Thoughts for Young Men

 

Would you believe I found this beloved little book by J.C. Ryle ONLINE?!  It must be public domain ~ You can read it here!

That makes it all the easier for me to share part of what Tim read to us last night from the section “Special Rules for Young Men”

 

RESOLVE, BY GOD'S HELP, TO SHUN EVERYTHING WHICH MAY PROVE AN OCCASION OF SIN.
It is an excellent saying, "He that would be safe from the acts of evil, must widely avoid the occasions." …

This, too, is one good reason why worldly entertainments are so objectionable. It may be difficult, in some instances, to show that they are, in themselves, positively unscriptural and wrong. But there is little difficulty in showing that the tendency of almost all of them is most injurious to the soul. They sow the seeds of an earthly and sensual frame of mind. They war against the life of faith. They promote an unhealthy and unnatural craving after excitement. They minister to the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. They dim the view of heaven and eternity, and give a false color to the things of time. They take away time for private prayer, and Scripture reading, and calm communion with God. The man who mingles in them is like one who gives Satan an advantage. He has a battle to fight, and he gives his enemy the help of sun, and wind, and hill. It would indeed be strange if he did not find himself continually overcome.
Young men, endeavor, as much as you can, to keep clear of everything which may prove injurious to your soul. People may say you are too conscientious, too particular, and ask where is the great harm of such and such things? But don't listen to them. It is dangerous to play tricks with sharp tools: it is far more dangerous to take liberties with your immortal soul. He that would be safe must not come near the brink of danger. He must look on his heart as a barrel of gunpowder, and be cautious not to handle one spark of temptation more than he can help...

~ John Charles Ryle (1816-1900)

 

I hesitate to share how I am thinking I should apply this admonition in my own life because I do not wish to start a controversy.  Yet that’s pretty wimpy, isn’t it?

I have been called a wimp before this.  But here’s a hint.