Author: J.C Ryle

Pages: 75

‘Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.’ (Titus 2:6 KJV).

Many young men and women today go about their lives without acknowledging the fact that every second of their existence should be viewed within the scope of eternity. Not realising that the habits cultivated from their young age would only result in two possibilities, either getting themselves nearer to God, or going further from Him and following the customs of this world. In this book, Ryle seeks to follow the apostle Paul’s advice to Titus when specifically addressing the attention to young men. Through all of the sub-sections, which include: ‘reasons why young men need exhorting’, ‘dangers that young men face’, ‘general counsels’ and ‘special rules of conduct’, Ryle emphasises that young men should view everything in the scope of eternity. Here, he persists on the importance of “remembering your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecc 12:1 ESV).

The book reminds us of the chief end of man—to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. As members of the youth, “we find ourselves in desires that nothing in this world could satisfy” (C.S Lewis), this should lead us to realise that true satisfaction does not come from this world or ourselves for that matter. Unlike “the backslider in heart”, who is “filled with the fruit of his ways” (Prov 14:14 ESV), a good man is satisfied by the fruits of his ways—which is only found in serving God, our Creator through taking up the cross, following Christ during our youth and throughout our lifetime, acknowledging that “our labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58 ESV). May all of us through this book, be reminded again to live to present the works of His kingdom alone. (AEM)