Must The Young Die Too?

On April 22, 2012, Wyatt Sawyer, a long time gospel preacher passed away at the age of 88.  I never met this man, but he had an impact in my life.  You see, when I was a young boy, my parents handed my sister and me a book entitled, “Must the Young Die Too?”  This book recounts the life of a young man from a good family who ran with the wrong crowd, and as a consequence, ended up forfeiting his life at the hands of the state. Wyatt Sawyer was the author of this book.

In this book, Sawyer, in a very compelling way, made me aware of the dangers that youth face, and how quickly life can unravel by instantaneous but poor choices.  I learned by the powerful illustration in this book that decisions made today are not just about today, but affect our tomorrows, in fact, sometimes whether we even have a tomorrow.

But now, here’s my point.  Wyatt Sawyer had a positive impact in my life.  His words of encouragement have stayed with me for over 35 years.  Friends, don’t discount your influence.  Impress the importance of godliness upon the young people in your life.  Point them to good books, don’t shield them from “real life” examples of what happens when one leaves the path of godliness, and teach them the importance of decision making.

I’m a better person because of Wyatt Sawyer.  Please accept this challenge… Spend the time you have to make the young people in your sphere of influence  better people because of you.