There is an irresistible demand to strengthen the leadership of

The words of John Mott, spoken in the turbulent tides of the twentieth century, resound with urgency: “There is an irresistible demand to strengthen the leadership of the constructive forces of the world at the present momentous time. This is true because of stupendous, almost unbelievable changes which have taken place in recent years on every continent.” In this declaration, Mott does not speak idly. He reminds us that history itself cries out for men and women who will rise above destruction, division, and despair, and instead embody the forces of construction, of building, of healing, of guiding. For when the world shakes with upheaval, there is no neutrality—either one strengthens the light, or the darkness prevails.

Mott lived in an age of convulsions. The world had been shattered by world war, empires crumbled, revolutions erupted, and the fabric of nations was torn. Technologies changed the speed of life, communications collapsed the distance between continents, and the fate of peoples grew bound together as never before. In such an age of unbelievable changes, Mott saw clearly that destructive powers—greed, nationalism, hatred—were gaining strength. Against them, he called for the strengthening of constructive leadership, leadership that would build peace, promote understanding, and bind humanity together rather than rend it apart. His vision was both prophetic and practical, born of years laboring for global unity through faith and service.

History offers us vivid examples of what Mott meant. After the Second World War, nations stood at a crossroads. On one hand was the temptation of vengeance and division; on the other, the chance to rebuild. Into this void stepped the architects of the Marshall Plan, who poured resources not into destruction but into renewal. Europe, broken by war, was given the chance to rebuild its cities, industries, and hopes. This was constructive leadership in action: to use strength not for conquest, but for restoration. Had such leadership been absent, despair and extremism might once more have consumed the continent.

Yet the lesson of Mott’s words is not confined to governments and nations. It extends to every generation, in every corner of the world. For changes are unending—scientific revolutions, cultural upheavals, economic shifts. Each new age confronts us with powers that can be used to destroy or to build. The printing press once spread both truth and lies; the internet today does the same. In each case, the cry for constructive forces is renewed, demanding leaders who wield change as a tool of creation rather than chaos.

O children of the future, hear the call: the irresistible demand Mott spoke of is upon you as well. Do not imagine that the strengthening of constructive leadership is the duty of great men alone. Every family, every school, every community requires it. To speak words of peace where anger burns, to act with justice where corruption reigns, to build bridges where hatred divides—these are the tasks of the constructive leader, no matter how small the circle of their influence.

The lesson, therefore, is luminous. When the world shifts, do not cling to despair or yield to destructive voices. Ask instead: how may I strengthen the constructive powers of this age? What can I build that will endure beyond me? What light can I kindle in the present darkness? For history shows that the future is forged not merely by the strength of armies, but by the courage of those who refuse to let the world collapse into ruin, who choose instead to labor for renewal.

Practical action lies before you: cultivate wisdom in thought, integrity in deed, and compassion in speech. Support leaders who build rather than exploit, who unite rather than divide. And in your own life, let your energy be devoted to creation, not destruction: nurture the young, heal the wounded, strengthen the weak, and inspire the weary. For each act of constructive leadership is a stone placed in the foundation of a just and enduring world.

Thus let Mott’s words burn in your memory: “There is an irresistible demand to strengthen the leadership of the constructive forces of the world.” This demand will never fade, for every age is momentous, every age is filled with changes that challenge the human soul. Answer the call, and you will stand among the builders of history, those who chose not to tear down but to lift up, not to destroy but to create. And the generations to come will bless your memory.