07/03/2016
JESUS LIFE ASSEMBLY CHURCH, PORT HARCOURT
YOUTH GET-TOGETHER 2016
BECOMING A YOUTH OF INFLUENCE
Text Focus: 2Timothy 2:2
INTRODUCTION:
It would surprise you to know that a lot of youths out there are struggling to have their voice heard whereas the very age-long simple method of influencing has not be followed. They have abandoned the way of life and seek to make things work for them somehow. A man whose life has not been influenced cannot influence anybody. You can’t give what you don’t have.
Our text calls to mind the fact that God wants faithful men, influencers to remain always among us. Those that would bear the torch and light other men’s lives. Those who would be seen by all as worthy ambassadors (Rom 8:35-39)
UNDERSTANDING INFLUENCE
The amount of influence you have on people is proportional to the amount of influence Jesus has had on your life. Christ was [in His days of earthly ministry] a man of influence. What he simply taught us were the same principles He lived by that made Him influential. He taught us those lessons. These same lessons are detailed in the Bible for others to read. Sadly, only a handful actually read and even if they do, they seldom act on what the word says.
Nowadays many especially youths are quick to adopt ‘quick-fix’ methods like: get rich fast; give one, get ten etc. to get what they want. We have learnt to believe that the amount of Leadership books and seminars we attend etc., would help us in influencing people. No! It is only but partially true. How many of these present leadership books did Jesus read?
The greatest influence of times happened with those who hooked up with the Lord God. Influence is leadership and leadership is influence.
BECOME A YOUTH OF INFLUENCE
As primary as your life is, if you lead it meaningfully by allowing Christ to take the wheel, you can influence everyone around you. Something is influences when it deviates from norm. To a large extent, majority of inhabitants of earth are led by flesh even the seemingly wise ones. However, when you depend on God in the way you do things, you become strange, people cannot but bend to see how you do it o’er there. The ways of God lead to life and so they are bent towards seeking the Lord and His ways. That is influence. When you are able to affect at least one person by your actions or inactions; that is influence.
Examples of Men of Influence: Abel, Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Deborah, Hannah, Daniel, Joel, John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, Timothy and many others.
How do you become a man of influence?
(i) Be finalized on your decision to follow Christ. No turning back Luke 9:62
(ii) Decide to be a kingdom representative anywhere you find yourself. Matthew 10:33
(iii) You will be required to stand for what Christ would stand for always. Do that and do it always. Mathew 5:6,10)
(iv) Know that people are queitly watching you, decide to affect them as you please God. You may not know it, but they are being affected. Matthew 5:16
(v) Do not be deceived by thinking that flaunting of wealth is the definition of influence. Money has wings; it can fly away.
(vi) Ensure you are accountable to someone, have a mentor and decide to also raise people to defend God’s kingdom.
(vii) You are to be a constant student of God’s word. Read it, Know it and live it out.
(viii) Every instruction of God you obey is capable of making you a man of influence. 2Tim3:16; Heb. 4:12
(ix) As you live to please God and to bless others, see God as your primary rewarder. Do not work to please men thereby becoming and eye server
Conclusion: Becoming a youth of influence is gradually becoming like Jesus. It is a gradual journey and with a sure outcome. The will of the father is that we all be conformed to the likeness of His dear son. This is influence. You can become a youth of influence if you want!
Bro. Ojo P. Duke
P.A Admin, JCSS
