How the habit of reading the Bible is essential for the strength of young people.
If you could sum up youth in one word, what would it be?
The apostle John would answer this question with the following word: strong. In 1 John 2:13–14, the apostle of love highlights three groups of people within the church. First, he speaks to all members, calling them “little children.” Then he highlights the “fathers,” referring to the older members of the community, and the “young men.” To this last group, John attributes three characteristics: they resist the Evil One, they are strong, and the Word of God remains in them.
The connection the apostle makes between the strength of young people and their adherence to God’s Word is not unprecedented in the biblical context. The Lord instructed Joshua to be “strong and courageous,” taking care not to stray from God’s Law given through Moses. Solomon linked strength to wisdom (Proverbs 24:5; Ecclesiastes 7:19), and the apostle Paul made it clear that true strength lies in human weakness, so that God’s power may be highlighted (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul also wrote to the young Timothy, recommending that he nourish himself on the words of faith and sound doctrine to train himself in godliness as opposed to physical exercise (1 Timothy 4:6).
Beyond the link between strength and the Word of God, the Scriptures also show a relationship between weakness and the absence of the Word. In 1 Corinthians 11:30–31, Paul suggests that the weakness and illness of many stems from a lack of personal discernment regarding sin. In this matter, there is no more effective instrument than the Word of God, sharper than a sword and “able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
The strength of youth finds its source in reading the Word of God.
In a time when the banner of empowerment is raised by all, Christians should turn to reading the Bible in search of true strength. Our youth is a propitious time to empower ourselves, whether in our relationships, social circles, or careers. In all of these, the habit of reading the Bible will be the best exercise to become those young people who overcome the Evil One, according to the apostle John.
The habit of reading God’s Word is a matter of strength.
Strengthen your reading habit with the Bible from Sunday School.
