While Samuel represented a new generation of righteous judge and prophet, he also carried the God-given ability of recognizing the calling and gifts in young leaders. He was used by God to call them forth into their destinies. J.J., a minister in College Station, Texas, considers me a spiritual mentor and father. I remember getting a note from him that said, "In a man's life and ministry, I believe he must be pointed out by great men of faith. Even Jesus was pointed out by His Father. Doug, you came and pointed me out." Today, J.J. and his ministry team are doing the same, determined that no young life in his city would slip through the cracks.

This emerging generation may seem extreme, radical, passionate and full of zeal, but when they are called out by older generation of Samuels, they can be emboldened and empowered to walk into their destiny. Like John the Baptist, the Lord is calling a generation out of the wilderness, clothing them with His prophetic mantle and to become standard bearers of righteousness, purity and purpose. They are desperate for change and for those who will come alongside them to give them affirmation, acceptance and approval. God is uniting the wisdom and resources of the former generation with the passion and zeal of the emerging generation.

This present generation needs more than our words. They need to see a revival of character and authenticity. We need a renewed passion and pursuit for God's presence, which will ignite a leadership awakening. Leaders who, like Samuel, will not look to the outward appearances, but into the heart of those He is calling forth. May we see with the eyes of the Spirit to recognize the treasure within the emerging generation of leaders. God's measure of success or greatness is not the same as man's. Success is to leave a lasting legacy to the glory of God that goes far beyond our human accomplishments.

Our true legacy comes not from the sermons we preach or how many follow us on twitter or other social media. It's not the size of our church or ministries. The lives we live before we enter the portals of eternity will determine the influence we have and will leave for the next generation.

We need leaders who live lives of humility, holiness, honor and honesty. Our private posture affects our public position. It's what we do and who we are behind closed doors when no one else may see us that determine the power of God in us—or lack of it—in public. Our private choices do have public and corporate consequences.

May we be reminded that our legacy is not in brick and mortar, but in the lives of those we are called to serve. While men reach for thrones to build their own kingdoms, Jesus reached for a towel to wash men's feet. While men pursue exalted and high places, Jesus, The Exalted One, left His Highest Place to pursue men.

If we are to leave a lasting legacy and transfer the mantle of leadership to the coming generation, then we must ourselves be committed to more than building our own kingdoms. May we be like Samuel, who represented a new generation of righteous judge and prophet. He had a God-given ability to recognize the calling and gifts in young leaders. Likewise, may we call forth the new generation of leaders to walk into their destinies.

Doug Stringer is an internationally known conference speaker, the founder of Somebody Cares and Turning Point Ministries International, and the author of several books, including Somebody Cares: A Guide to Living Out Your Faith.

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