Good Reads for Boys (and their parents)

Every generation is beset with trials and tribulations. There is economic strife, wars and rumors of wars, a break-down of families and a slow but sure de-valuation of human life. It seems that the 21st century is more challenging because of its technological overload and an overt push toward individualism: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 21:2)

This generation of young men may have different challenges than those preceding them but they all have had the same infallible source to turn to for answers. God’s Word is timeless. The principles laid out in its pages will help any young man to meet every challenge in life.

This generation has the responsibility to teach and encourage the next to turn to those pages. Our young men will be the ones to take up the reins when we have done our time in the driver’s seat. It has been the same for every generation.

J. C. Ryle died in 1900, yet his book, Thoughts for Young Men is most contemporary. This small yet powerful book “addresses the greatest challenges in a young man’s life”. I so wish I had obtained a copy of it when my boys were growing up.

The main sections of the book discuss the reasons for exhorting young men, dangers they will encounter, general counsels to them, and special rules for them. Each is liberally sprinkled with Scripture to backup what is written.

“What young men will be in all probability, depends upon what they are now, and they seem to forget this.” (Ryle, pg 8) Too many plan on serving God “someday”. The world tells them it is natural and alright to sow their wild oats. But as Ryle points out, it is no easy matter to turn to God whenever one pleases. Proverbs 27:1 states, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” One must have an abiding relationship with Christ through repentance and faith.

Young men need to realize this as early as possible if they expect to meet the challenges in life.
Mr. Ryle was greatly burdened for young men and poured out his heart for them on every page. Every Christian home that has boys in it should get a copy of this eighty-nine page book. It should be read by parents and young men alike. It is of the utmost importance to raise boys to be strong men of God. The future of our families and our country depend upon it.

If you would like to purchase this book, you can purchase it through Vision Forum here.