WHERE IS THE ROAD?

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 975, 19 May 1930, Page 14

WHERE IS THE ROAD?

YOUTH’S EARNEST QUEST VALUE OF BIBLE CLASSES “The past generation allowed the road to become indistinct. Many have done their best to keep the way in good repair, but if a generation is to be judged by the quality of its roads, then the past generation would not be awarded a first place in any road contest. Youth today is trying to find the read.” In these words, the Rev. William Gilmour, of Balmoral Presbyterian Church, spoke to a good congregation last evening on the subject, “How to make the Bible Class movement a spiritual influence.” Youth was turn ing to religion in a way never known before, but it was to the practical, rather than the mysticEil, or theoretical, said the preacher. Youth wanted a religion that was “red-hot”: a religion that was in touch tvith actual life in common affairs. The problem in our youth work was to make the major activity centre on spiritual things. The aim of the Bible Class movement was to bring young people within the bounds of the church and community, into a closer and deeper fellowship with Jesus Christ. Its aim was to bring young people and all their activities under the control of Christ, so that in business, in athletics, in social life, they might ,’ive at their best. Unless our youtli movement kept this end steadily in view% and made an honest effort to attain it, then there was no great reason why it should live, and seek to carry on. The question was how could this be accomplished? Who had not seen the increased eagerness when it came to games or entertainment? The temptation was to emphasise this necessary side of our Bible Class work, and to think we were achieving great things, and fulfilling its purpose. How could we offset this, and ensure that the emphasis would be placed on the right things? There was hope for an organisation when its leaders sat round a table, and put down in black and white, just what they wanted to accomplish in a spiritual way. For, after all, they who knew the way they were going, generally get there. Everything would depend on whether the leaders had visualised the purpose for which they existed as a Bible Class movement. An earnest effort would be made to create a devotional atmosphere in the meetings; hyrnns and prayers and addresses would all centre on spiritual things. Even literary and citizenship subjects would all be discussed in the light of the Christian faith. Those in the meetings would see that the main object of the Bible class was to lift Christ up before Its members, that ihey might hear His call, to high and

heroic service, and feel His claim upon them for obedience and loyalty. There was no substitute for consecrated leaders who were themselves devoted followers of the Master. No methods, or contests, or “stunts” could achieve anything in themselves unless there was first that most necessary thing on the part of tnose "who directed the meeting. Under this influence, young people would be led to see that life was a serious thing, and that it brings duties which could not be shirked without shame. This was the only hope that our Bible Class movement would be a definitely religious influence within the Church. If it was, then the whole life of the church would be enriched beyond words.