October 4

The Bible gives a tremendous statement which, in the softness of these days, is scarcely ever quoted, at least not often enough. I heard it frequently in the sturdier days of my boyhood: "Quit you like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). We simply have to develop sturdiness of will if the tough, hard problems of life are to be handled effectively. Every person has a will. If it is soft, exercise will strengthen it. Think of your will as a "muscle" of the spirit. Like any muscle, if not exercised, it becomes flabby. But, with repeated use, it toughens up, acquiring tone and resiliency.