“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brother, what shall we do?”
(Acts 2:36-37)
To be a leader of this generation, you have to get something stirring inside of you that is so powerful you cannot keep your mouth shut. There are lots of people who have a position, but they have nothing stirring inside of them.
They are holding the position so that they can be in the spotlight and have nothing that is burning inside of them to give to others.
Peter stood in-front of 3,000 people and said: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brother, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37)
They desperately wanted to know Jesus in a real way. Peter had the edge! He certainly was not seeking popularity, instead he knew he had to share his message no matter what the outcome would be.
Even if you are not an official leader, God still wants you to lead your generation.
Leading is simply influencing others. You can influence in one of two ways, either for good or bad. If you look like the world and talk like the world then your influence will be that of the world. A good leader sets himself apart and is daily renewing his mind.
The Bible tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:12)
There are millions upon millions of people who desperately want to know Jesus in a real way. If no one chooses to go against the pattern of this world and sits to wait for the next person to do it, how will others be reached with the gospel?
In order to obtain God’s good, pleasing and perfect will, you can no longer be that of the world. Follow the example of Peter, one who was determined no matter the cost!
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Ron Luce was the co-founder and president of Teen Mania Ministries from 1986-2015. Ron and his wife Katie dreamed to raise young people who would change the world.
Ron received his bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theology from Oral Roberts University and his master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tulsa, along with an honorary doctorate from Jerry Falwell of Liberty University. He is a sought-after speaker who has traveled to more than 60 countries and has made numerous media appearances, such as Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family radio broadcast, CNN, The O'Reilly Factor, ABC Nightline, The 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and the Sean Hannity Show. Ron has also written 35 books for teens, youth pastors, and parents and continues to speak at leaders' conferences helping parents and pastors understand the plight of today's youth and showing them how all of us can be part of the solution.
Ron and Katie currently live in Garden Valley, Texas, with their son Cameron. They have two daughters, Hannah and Charity.