Building a Lasting Legacy Through Faith and Community
Summary
Today is a celebration of fathers, but it’s also a call to every one of us—men, women, young and old—to consider the legacy we’re building with our lives. We all want to leave something that outlasts us, but the truth is, legacy isn’t about what we leave for people, but what we leave in people. Our culture pushes us to accumulate, to achieve, to chase after the next thing, but Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man in history, reminds us in Ecclesiastes that all the things we strive for are ultimately empty if they’re not rooted in something eternal.
Most men I know work hard to provide, protect, and create joy for their families. But the weight of responsibility can be heavy, and often, we try to carry it alone. Yet, we’re not meant to do this by ourselves. We need the support of our wives, our families, and most importantly, we need God. The time, money, influence, and relationships we have are gifts to be stewarded well—not just for our own benefit, but to make a difference in the lives of others.
Solomon’s journey teaches us that chasing after immediate rewards and moving goalposts will never satisfy. The real reward comes from sowing seeds of faithfulness, love, and integrity, even when we don’t see the results right away. The harvest may take years, but it’s worth the wait. We’re called to focus on the things that matter most—our relationship with God, our families, our spiritual and emotional health—because those are the “touchdowns” that truly win the game of life.
Ultimately, everything we have and everything we accomplish is from the hand of God. Our lives are not about making our own names great, but about pointing others to Him. If our families, friends, and communities know Jesus more because of how we lived, then we have succeeded. We can’t do this alone, but with Christ, we can carry the weight, leave a legacy that matters, and make an eternal impact.
Key Takeaways
- Legacy is not about accumulation, but transformation. What we leave in the hearts and lives of others—our children, our spouses, our friends—is far more important than what we leave for them. The true measure of a life well-lived is the impact we make on others’ character and faith, not the possessions or achievements we pass down. [42:45]
- The reward for faithfulness is rarely immediate, but always worth it. Like a farmer who patiently waits for the harvest, we must trust that the seeds we sow in our families and communities will bear fruit in due time. Don’t give up when you don’t see instant results; God honors long-term consistency and intentionality. [53:43]
- The pursuit of “more” is endless unless we learn to be content and present. The goalposts of success will always move—there’s always another promotion, another possession, another achievement to chase. True fulfillment comes from enjoying what God has given us now, even as we strive for what’s next, and prioritizing the things that matter most. [56:39]
- Everything we have is from God, and our lives should point to Him. Our work, our families, our influence—all of it is a gift to be stewarded for God’s glory, not our own. When we make God the center, even the simplest joys become meaningful, and our legacy becomes a testimony to His faithfulness. [59:35]
- We are not meant to carry the weight of life alone. The silent battles, the pressures, the desire to be everything for everyone—these are burdens we cannot bear by ourselves. Christ invites us to walk with Him, to find rest in His strength, and to build brotherhood and community that supports us on the journey. [01:03:59]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[32:06] - Father’s Day Fun & Dad Jokes
[34:23] - Introducing the “When Pigs Fly” Series
[37:11] - The Weight Men Carry
[39:07] - Why Men Need Support
[41:11] - Stewarding Time, Money, and Influence
[42:45] - Redefining Legacy: What You Leave In People
[44:32] - Solomon’s Search for Meaning
[46:30] - Living the Life You Have
[47:20] - Three Principles for Legacy
[48:57] - The Trap of Immediate Rewards
[53:43] - Patience in Parenting and Life
[54:45] - The Moving Goalposts of Success
[58:10] - Touchdowns vs. Field Goals: What Really Matters
[59:35] - Always Point to God
[01:03:07] - You Can’t Do It Alone
[01:05:48] - Responding to God’s Call & Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Leaving a Legacy That Lasts
---
### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 17, 24-25
(Solomon’s search for meaning, the emptiness of chasing pleasure and achievement, and the realization that everything is from the hand of God.)
- Galatians 6:7-8
(“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”)
- Matthew 22:37
(“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”)
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 2, what did Solomon pursue in his search for meaning, and what was his conclusion about those pursuits?
(see [44:32])
2. In Galatians 6:7-8, what principle does Paul teach about sowing and reaping? How does this relate to the idea of legacy?
(see [50:54])
3. The sermon mentioned that “legacy is not what you leave for people, but what you leave in people.” What are some examples the pastor gave of things we might leave “in” others?
(see [42:45])
4. What does Solomon say is the source of true enjoyment and fulfillment in life?
(see [59:35])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Solomon, after having everything he could ever want, still found life to be “meaningless” or “striving after wind”? What does this reveal about the things we often chase?
(see [54:45])
2. The pastor said, “Your reward isn’t always immediate.” How does this principle challenge the way we approach our families, work, or spiritual life?
(see [47:20])
3. The sermon talked about the “moving goalposts” of success. What are some ways this mindset can affect our relationships and our sense of contentment?
(see [56:39])
4. The pastor emphasized that “everything we have is from God, and our lives should point to Him.” How does this perspective change the way we view our achievements and influence?
(see [59:35])
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “Legacy is not what you leave for people, but what you leave in people.” Who in your life are you intentionally investing in right now? What is one way you can be more intentional about leaving a spiritual or character legacy in them this week?
(see [42:45])
2. Think about an area where you are waiting to see results—maybe in parenting, marriage, or your walk with God. How can you remind yourself to be patient and trust that the seeds you’re sowing will bear fruit in time?
(see [53:43])
3. Are there any “moving goalposts” in your life—areas where you keep chasing the next thing but never feel satisfied? How can you practice contentment and gratitude for what God has given you right now?
(see [56:39])
4. The sermon mentioned that men (and all of us) often try to carry the weight of responsibility alone. Is there a burden you’re carrying by yourself right now? What would it look like to invite God and others into that struggle?
(see [01:03:59])
5. The pastor challenged us to focus on “touchdowns” (family health, spiritual health, emotional health) rather than just “field goals” (promotions, possessions, popularity). Which “touchdown” area do you want to prioritize more, and what is one step you can take this week?
(see [58:10])
6. The sermon said, “If our families, friends, and communities know Jesus more because of how we lived, then we have succeeded.” What is one practical way you can point someone to Jesus this week—at home, at work, or in your community?
(see [59:35])
7. The pastor reminded us, “You don’t have to do it alone.” Who is someone you can reach out to for support, encouragement, or accountability as you seek to leave a legacy that matters?
(see [01:03:59])
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person leave a legacy that points others to Him and makes an eternal impact.
Devotional
Day 1: Legacy Is What You Leave In People
True legacy is not measured by the possessions or wealth you leave behind, but by the impact you make in the lives of others. The influence you have on your family, friends, and community—how you love, encourage, and build them up—will outlast any material inheritance. The things you accumulate are temporary, but the values, faith, and love you instill in others will echo for generations. Ask yourself: are you investing in people in a way that will shape their lives for the better, long after you’re gone? [42:45]
Ecclesiastes 2:3-4, 10-11 (ESV)
"I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself... And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can intentionally invest in today—not with things, but with encouragement, wisdom, or love that will last beyond you?
Day 2: Your Reward Isn’t Always Immediate
The seeds you plant today—whether in your family, your work, or your faith—may not bear fruit right away. It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see instant results, but God’s principle is that you will reap what you sow in due season. Stay faithful and patient, knowing that your consistent investment in what matters most will bring a harvest in God’s timing, even if you don’t see it yet. [50:54]
Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV)
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Reflection: What is one area where you’re tempted to give up because you don’t see results? How can you choose to keep sowing faithfully today, trusting God for the harvest?
Day 3: The Goalposts Always Move
Chasing after more—more success, more possessions, more recognition—can leave you feeling empty, because the finish line always seems to move further away. True fulfillment comes not from constantly striving for the next thing, but from learning to enjoy and steward what you have right now. Celebrate the “touchdowns” of spiritual, relational, and personal health, and don’t let the pursuit of “field goals” distract you from what matters most. [56:12]
Ecclesiastes 2:17 (ESV)
"So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind."
Reflection: What is one “goalpost” you’ve been chasing that never seems to satisfy? How can you shift your focus to celebrate and invest in the blessings you already have?
Day 4: Always Point to God
Everything you have—your family, your work, your resources, your influence—is a gift from God, and true joy comes from recognizing His hand in every part of your life. When you make God the center and purpose of your legacy, you ensure that what you build will last for eternity. Let your life be a signpost that points others to Him, so that His name is remembered long after yours. [01:00:42]
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (ESV)
"There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?"
Reflection: In what practical way can you point your family or friends to God today, making sure He gets the glory for your blessings?
Day 5: You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
You were never meant to carry the weight of life, family, and legacy by yourself. Jesus invites you to walk with Him, to let Him carry your burdens, and to find strength in community with others. When you surrender your need to be the savior and trust in Christ as your true Savior, you find freedom, rest, and the power to leave a legacy that truly matters. [01:03:59]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: What is one burden you’ve been carrying alone? How can you invite Jesus—and perhaps a trusted friend or brother—to help you carry it today?
Quotes
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