Men Needed

The men needed today are men of clear vision, men of convictions and courage, valiant hearted men who are not afraid to defy the devil in the darkest hour; men who will risk their all to follow Christ, and to rescue the fallen and the perishing for whom Christ died.

1923 The Northwestern Lutheran

The following article is taken from the January 14, 1923 issue of The Northwestern Lutheran, Volume 10, Number 1, on page 13. A PDF scan of the original issue may be found in the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Digital Library.

Evidently the need of the times in which we now live is men. But what kind of men and where are they to be found? is a question of great importance. Is it men of avoirdupois, strong and robust physique, gladiators and pugilists that are needed? Men who measure six foot six in their socks; who can look over the heads of the common people, walk across the continent, or win on the race course? These may do for notoriety or to entertain the sporting element in society, but their fame will be shortlived and with the masses they will soon be forgotten.

Yes, men are needed, but what sort of men are needed? Those who simply have the name, belong to the masculine gender, are grown up boys, merely bipeds? Too many of this class we admit are called men, but are they men? To be a man means more than to belong to the class of mankind. Is a man a man unless he is a man? In our opinion a man is a man only when he possesses the elements which comprise true manhood.

To be a man in the true sense of the word implies at least the capabilities of fulfilling the purpose for which man was and is created. A machine that comes short of the purpose for which it was designed is practically worthless, so with man. The first purpose in the creation of man is that he may glorify his Maker who is God. When he fails in this, whatever else he may accomplish is in comparison of little significance. Yes, all his acquired ability in the arts, sciences, inventions, etc., will avail him nothing if he fails in God’s first purpose concerning him.

To glorify God man must become possessor and sharer in the grace of God that redeems from sin. It is in the spotless character and pure mind of man through which God is glorified, rather than his natural achievements. Such men are wanted by God, wanted because God needs them to glorify His name in the earth. God has chosen man to glorify Him, not mere machines that are man-made; therefore God needs men. Men of sense, knowledge, skill and power are needed who have the grace of God exemplified in their lives. For such men there is a crying need in the world, in every station, calling, and position in life. Effeminate, foolish, sinful men, are a reproach to God and a reflection upon humanity.

The men needed today are men of clear vision, men of convictions and courage (who have the courage of their convictions), valiant hearted men who are not afraid to defy the devil in the darkest hour; men who will risk their all to follow Christ, and to rescue the fallen and the perishing for whom Christ died. O man! where shall such men be found except among the ranks of the holy, those who are redeemed from the corruption of sin through the “precious blood of Christ?” For such man there is a place waiting greater than the world has to offer, honor above that which man can bestow, a name and a reward that God alone can give. Men are needed. Who will respond to the call of God and humanity?

—Providence Mission Tidings.