Intentional Living: Crafting a Legacy of Hope
Summary
Crafting an impactful legacy is a journey that begins with intentional living and culminates in a life that leaves a lasting imprint on others. As we prepare for Easter, a time of hope and renewal, it's essential to reflect on the legacy we are building. Easter is not just a celebration but an opportunity to serve and witness the transformative power of Christ in our lives. We are called to be "dealers in hope," sharing the love and message of Jesus with those around us.
The essence of a meaningful legacy lies in how we answer two pivotal questions: What did we do with Jesus, and what did we do with the resources God entrusted to us? These questions challenge us to live purposefully, using our time, talents, and treasures to serve others and glorify God. Our legacy is not measured by material success but by the impact we have on others and the kingdom of God.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from self-actualization but from transcendence—living beyond ourselves to help others. Only a small percentage of people reach this level, but it is where we find the greatest joy and purpose. Serving with passionate commitment, practicing abundant generosity, and achieving success with humble grace are key components of a legacy that honors God.
Sharing Christ with gusto is another vital aspect of our legacy. We must be ready to explain the hope we have in Jesus, living out our faith boldly and authentically. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of Christ, inspiring others to seek Him.
As we reflect on our legacy, we are reminded of the importance of living intentionally and purposefully. Whether through acts of service, generosity, or sharing our faith, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and leave a legacy that glorifies God.
Key Takeaways:
- Intentional Living: Living on purpose means waking up each day with the intention to add value to others' lives. It's about being mindful of our actions and seeking opportunities to share the gospel and serve others. This intentionality ensures that our legacy is one of love and impact. [15:21]
- Purposeful Service: Serving with passionate commitment involves using our time, talents, and resources to make a difference. It's not just about filling a need but doing so with enthusiasm and dedication. This kind of service leaves a lasting impact and reflects the heart of Christ. [22:55]
- Generosity as a Lifestyle: Practicing abundant generosity means recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. By sowing into His kingdom and helping others, we honor God and experience the joy of giving. Generosity is a powerful way to leave a legacy that blesses others and glorifies God. [26:22]
- Humble Success: Achieving success with humble grace involves recognizing that our accomplishments are gifts from God. Pride can undermine our legacy, but humility brings honor and allows us to use our success to serve others and further God's kingdom. [32:50]
- Bold Evangelism: Sharing Christ with gusto means being unashamed and ready to explain the hope we have in Jesus. Our lives should be a testament to His transformative power, inspiring others to seek Him and experience His love and grace. [35:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:29] - Two Key Questions for Legacy
- [09:52] - Maslow's Hierarchy and Transcendence
- [15:21] - Living on Purpose
- [19:49] - Serving with Passion
- [22:55] - Testimonies of Service
- [26:22] - Practicing Generosity
- [32:50] - Achieving Humble Success
- [35:08] - Sharing Christ Boldly
- [36:57] - Personal Legacy Reflections
- [38:35] - Family Legacy
- [40:08] - Invitation to Legacy
- [42:07] - Prayer for Legacy
- [44:44] - Celebration of Decisions
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Crafting an Impactful Legacy
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 112:6 - "The righteous man will be remembered forever."
2. Mark 9:35 - "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."
3. Proverbs 11:25 - "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what are the two pivotal questions that will be asked when we stand before the Lord? [07:29]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of "living on purpose"? What daily practice does the pastor mention to help achieve this? [15:21]
3. What examples of service and generosity were shared in the sermon, and how do they reflect the heart of Christ? [22:55]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea of achieving success with humble grace? [32:50]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Psalm 112:6 relate to the idea of leaving a legacy that is remembered forever? What does it mean for a legacy to be "righteous"?
2. In what ways does Mark 9:35 challenge the conventional understanding of success and leadership? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on serving with passionate commitment? [19:49]
3. How does the concept of transcendence in Maslow's hierarchy of needs relate to the sermon’s message about living beyond oneself to help others? [09:52]
4. What does Proverbs 11:25 suggest about the relationship between generosity and personal prosperity? How does this align with the sermon’s call to practice abundant generosity? [26:22]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the two pivotal questions mentioned in the sermon. How would you currently answer them, and what changes might you need to make to align your life with these questions? [07:29]
2. The sermon encourages living intentionally each day. What specific actions can you take this week to add value to someone else's life? [15:21]
3. Consider the examples of service shared in the sermon. Is there a particular area or ministry where you feel called to serve with passionate commitment? How can you take a step towards that this week? [22:55]
4. Generosity is highlighted as a lifestyle in the sermon. Identify one way you can practice abundant generosity this week, whether through your time, talents, or resources. [26:22]
5. The sermon speaks about achieving success with humble grace. How can you ensure that your accomplishments are used to serve others and glorify God, rather than becoming a source of pride? [32:50]
6. Sharing Christ with gusto is emphasized in the sermon. Think of one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about the hope you have in Jesus. How can you share your faith with them this week? [35:08]
7. Reflect on the legacy you are currently building. What steps can you take to ensure it aligns with the values and principles discussed in the sermon? [40:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Living: A Daily Commitment to Impact
Living intentionally means waking up each day with a purpose to add value to others' lives. It involves being mindful of our actions and seeking opportunities to share the gospel and serve others. This intentionality ensures that our legacy is one of love and impact. By focusing on how we can positively influence those around us, we align our daily actions with our long-term goals of leaving a meaningful legacy. Intentional living is not about grand gestures but about consistent, small acts of kindness and service that accumulate over time to create a significant impact. [15:21]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one small, intentional act of kindness you can do today to positively impact someone else's life. How can you make this a daily habit?
Day 2: Purposeful Service: Serving with Passion and Dedication
Purposeful service involves using our time, talents, and resources to make a difference with enthusiasm and dedication. It's not just about filling a need but doing so with a heart full of passion and commitment. This kind of service leaves a lasting impact and reflects the heart of Christ. When we serve others with purpose, we demonstrate the love of Jesus and contribute to building His kingdom on earth. Our service becomes a testament to our faith and a powerful way to influence others for Christ. [22:55]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What unique talent or resource do you have that you can use to serve others passionately this week? How can you ensure your service reflects the heart of Christ?
Day 3: Generosity as a Lifestyle: Sowing into God's Kingdom
Practicing abundant generosity means recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. By sowing into His kingdom and helping others, we honor God and experience the joy of giving. Generosity is a powerful way to leave a legacy that blesses others and glorifies God. When we give freely and abundantly, we reflect God's own generosity towards us and open ourselves to the blessings that come from living a life of giving. Our generosity can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of kindness and love. [26:22]
"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:25, ESV)
Reflection: Consider one way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, resources, or talents. How can this act of giving become a regular part of your lifestyle?
Day 4: Humble Success: Achieving with Grace and Gratitude
Achieving success with humble grace involves recognizing that our accomplishments are gifts from God. Pride can undermine our legacy, but humility brings honor and allows us to use our success to serve others and further God's kingdom. When we approach our achievements with gratitude and humility, we acknowledge God's role in our lives and open ourselves to being used by Him in greater ways. Our success becomes a platform for serving others and glorifying God, rather than a source of personal pride. [32:50]
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent success or achievement. How can you use this success to serve others and glorify God, while maintaining a posture of humility?
Day 5: Bold Evangelism: Sharing Christ with Confidence
Sharing Christ with gusto means being unashamed and ready to explain the hope we have in Jesus. Our lives should be a testament to His transformative power, inspiring others to seek Him and experience His love and grace. Bold evangelism involves living out our faith authentically and being prepared to share our testimony with others. By doing so, we become "dealers in hope," spreading the message of Jesus and inviting others to experience the same transformation we have. [35:08]
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope you have in Jesus. How can you share your faith with them in a way that is both bold and respectful?
Quotes
One of these days, we're gonna stand before the Lord and he's gonna ask us this question. What did you do with my son Jesus that I sent? Did you allow him to pay the penalty for your sins? Or did you say, nope, I'll go to hell and I'll pay the penalty myself. [00:06:49] (19 seconds)
What did you do with what I gave you on earth? I gave you talents, I gave you treasury, I gave you time and opportunity to serve. What did you do with that? Well, you know, I was just, I was too busy, wrong answer. Well, you know, I just felt like I was too old, ah, wrong answer, wrong answer. [00:08:05] (27 seconds)
I believe that deep down on the inside of every person that God created is this desire to make a difference with your life. Sociologists have studied human behavior for years. And in 1943, a guy by the name of Maslow developed what he called the hierarchy of needs. [00:09:52] (20 seconds)
Only 2%, only 2% of people ever get to the top of the pyramid. Many people get to the self-actualization and they're successful. They're a business owner. They own 20 businesses. They got so many people. They've got this. They've got that. And all they do is talk about themselves. [00:13:18] (20 seconds)
Live on purpose, not haphazard, not careless, not only living for yourself, but live intentionally. Every morning you wake up, and this is a prayer that I pray every day. Lord, help me to add value to somebody today. And if you open the door, let me share the gospel. [00:15:21] (20 seconds)
Serve with passionate commitment. Not just serve because there's a need, but passionate commitment. So how do we do that? We have time. So with that time we serve. We have parking crew out there every week and they're parking cars. And boy, we need more people like that. [00:18:19] (19 seconds)
I serve in preschool ministry to lay a foundation of faith in young hearts, introducing them to Jesus through stories and joyful experiences. Dorothy, thank you for serving. Thank you for serving. Terry Schlachter. She's one of our parking lot hosts. [00:22:03] (21 seconds)
We recognize that God owns everything, right? I don't own anything. It's all his. Every day I say, Lord, I surrender to you. I'm not smart enough to build this church. I'm not wise enough to be where you've put us. I'm not, I'm not that good. There's no way. So Lord, it all, it all belongs to you. [00:26:22] (18 seconds)
Honor the lord with your wealth how do i honor the lord with my wealth but by sowing it into his kingdom not just wasting it on myself wallowing in the gravy what does that what does that bring you it's when you use the resources that god has given you to make a difference. [00:27:31] (20 seconds)
Proverbs 29 says, your pride can bring you down, but humility will bring honor. And number five, share Christ with gusto. Not a shame, but with gusto. The scripture says, and if someone asks you your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. [00:33:20] (22 seconds)
I believe today you can start afresh and anew. And God can make the rest of your life the best of your life. I believe this last quarter of my life is going to be more productive than any other time. I'm not looking forward to transition or to retire to do nothing. [00:40:49] (19 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?