Investing in Others: Building a Lasting Legacy
Summary
This morning, we explored what it truly means to care for others and how that shapes the legacy we leave behind. We looked at the example of Moses and Joshua, seeing how Moses’ investment in Joshua’s life prepared him to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Caring isn’t just a feeling—it’s an intentional act that often requires inconvenience, sacrifice, and a willingness to step out of our routines. We’re called to invest in the lives of those around us, not just through formal roles or programs, but in the everyday moments—at work, at home, in our neighborhoods, and even in the simple act of sending a text or offering a word of encouragement.
Many of us are where we are today because someone took the time to invest in us. Whether it was a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a friend, their care made a difference. That’s the kind of legacy that lasts. It’s not about building our own reputation or accumulating things, but about pouring into others so that the impact continues long after we’re gone. We’re reminded that everyone is watching—especially the next generation—and our actions speak louder than our words. The church isn’t just a place to attend; it’s a family where each of us is responsible for caring for one another.
We also talked about the importance of gratitude—recognizing those who have invested in us and taking the time to thank them. Living gratefully and intentionally means looking for ways to encourage, support, and pray for others. It means being willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of someone else’s growth or healing. Our legacy is built not in grand gestures, but in the daily, sometimes unnoticed, acts of love and service.
Ultimately, the legacy we leave is measured in the lives we touch, not the possessions we accumulate. God has placed each of us exactly where we are for a reason, and He calls us to be a blessing to those around us. The challenge is simple but profound: start today. Invest in others, care deeply, and trust that God will use your efforts to change lives for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
- Intentional Investment Builds Lasting Legacies
The most enduring legacies are not built by accident but through intentional investment in others. Moses didn’t just lead; he poured into Joshua, preparing him for the future. Our willingness to inconvenience ourselves and invest time, wisdom, and love into others is what truly shapes the next generation and honors God’s call on our lives. [49:24]
- Everyone Is Watching—Our Influence Is Constant
Whether we realize it or not, people are always observing how we live, especially in moments of stress or inconvenience. Our integrity and consistency in caring for others, even in small ways, can have a profound impact on those around us. The way we treat people in everyday situations—like a server at a restaurant or a neighbor in need—can open doors for God’s love to be seen and felt. [53:23]
- Legacy Requires Inconvenience and Sacrifice
True care is rarely convenient. It often means stepping out of our comfort zones, giving up our time, and being willing to walk alongside others in their struggles. The stories of teachers, coaches, and parents who made a difference remind us that the greatest impact often comes from simple acts of faithfulness and sacrifice, not from grand gestures. [58:16]
- Your Legacy Begins Today, Not Tomorrow
We don’t have to wait until we feel ready or have everything figured out to start building a legacy. God calls us to begin now, with what we have and where we are. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every moment spent investing in someone else is a seed planted for eternity. The time to care and invest is always now. [01:12:46]
- Gratitude and Encouragement Multiply Legacy
Living gratefully means recognizing those who have poured into us and taking the time to affirm and encourage them. It also means adopting a lifestyle of daily encouragement—looking for ways to bless, support, and pray for others. When we live this way, our legacy multiplies, and the ripple effect of our care extends far beyond what we can see. [01:14:53]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction: Learning to Care
[02:10] - The Call to Invest in Others
[06:30] - Stories of Personal Investment
[13:45] - The Power of Caring Teachers and Coaches
[18:00] - The Ripple Effect of Legacy
[22:30] - Moses and Joshua: A Biblical Model
[27:00] - Building Legacies Through Intentionality
[32:15] - The Cost of Caring: Inconvenience and Sacrifice
[39:18] - The Influence of Everyday Actions
[45:16] - The Importance of Gratitude
[49:24] - Legacy in Action: Application Steps
[53:23] - Living Out Your Legacy Today
[58:16] - Embracing a Lifestyle of Care
[01:12:46] - Practical Assignments for Legacy
[01:14:53] - The Power of Encouragement
[01:20:29] - Responding to God’s Call
[01:25:29] - The True Measure of Legacy
[01:28:08] - Closing Prayer and Challenge
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Building a Legacy of Care
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### Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 34:5-9 (ESV)
> So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Joshua 1:1-5 (ESV)
> After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Deuteronomy 34:9, what was the result of Moses laying his hands on Joshua? What does the text say Joshua was “full of”?
2. In Joshua 1:1-5, what specific promises does God make to Joshua as he steps into leadership after Moses’ death?
3. The sermon described Moses’ investment in Joshua as intentional and sacrificial. What are some specific ways Moses invested in Joshua, according to the sermon? [[49:24]]
4. The pastor shared stories of people who invested in his life, like teachers and coaches. What common traits did these people share in how they cared for him? [[45:16]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses’ investment in Joshua was so important for the future of Israel? How might things have been different if Moses had not intentionally prepared Joshua? [[49:24]]
2. The sermon says, “Caring isn’t just a feeling—it’s an intentional act that often requires inconvenience, sacrifice, and a willingness to step out of our routines.” Why is inconvenience often a necessary part of leaving a legacy? [[58:16]]
3. The pastor mentioned that “everyone is watching—especially the next generation.” What does it mean for our influence to be “constant,” and how does that affect the way we live day-to-day? [[53:23]]
4. The sermon emphasized gratitude and encouragement as ways to multiply legacy. Why do you think expressing gratitude to those who have invested in us is so powerful? [[01:12:46]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor challenged everyone to write down five to ten names of people God has placed in their lives to invest in. Who are some people in your life right now that you could begin to intentionally encourage, support, or pray for? What is one step you could take this week? [[01:12:46]]
2. Think about someone who has invested in you—maybe a parent, teacher, coach, or friend. Have you ever taken the time to thank them? If not, what’s stopping you? How could you reach out to them this week? [[01:12:46]]
3. The sermon said, “True care is rarely convenient.” What is one area of your life where you could allow yourself to be inconvenienced for the sake of someone else’s growth or healing? [[58:16]]
4. The pastor shared that our legacy is built in “the daily, sometimes unnoticed, acts of love and service.” What is one small, practical act of care you could do for someone in your workplace, neighborhood, or family this week? [[53:23]]
5. The message reminded us that “the church isn’t just a place to attend; it’s a family where each of us is responsible for caring for one another.” How can you be more intentional about building relationships and caring for others in our church family? [[01:29:14]]
6. The sermon encouraged us to “adopt a lifestyle of daily encouragement.” What is one way you can make encouragement a regular habit in your life? [[01:14:53]]
7. The pastor said, “Your legacy begins today, not tomorrow.” What is one thing you can do today to start building a legacy of care, even if it feels small or insignificant? [[01:12:46]]
---
Closing Prayer:
Invite group members to pray for the people on their lists, for courage to step out in care and encouragement, and for God to use their daily acts of love to build a legacy that honors Him.
Devotional
Day 1: Legacies Are Built by Investing in Others
Caring for others means intentionally investing in their lives, just as Moses invested in Joshua, and as so many teachers, parents, and mentors have invested in us. The impact of these investments often stretches far beyond what we can see, shaping not only individuals but entire communities and future generations. When we take the time to pour into someone else—whether through encouragement, teaching, or simply being present—we are building a legacy that will outlast our own lives. The people who have shaped us did so because they cared, and now it is our turn to look around, notice those who need encouragement, and step into their lives with love and purpose. [49:24]
Deuteronomy 34:5-9 (ESV)
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life right now that you can intentionally invest in this week—through encouragement, prayer, or simply spending time with them?
Day 2: Lasting Legacies Require Intentionality and Inconvenience
Building a legacy that honors God and blesses others is rarely convenient. It means going out of your way, sometimes sacrificing your own comfort, to care for those around you. Moses didn’t have to lay his hands on Joshua, but he did, and that act of intentional investment changed the course of Israel’s future. In the same way, the people who have most impacted our lives did so by choosing to be present, to listen, to encourage, and to serve—even when it cost them something. True care is not accidental; it is a daily choice to step into someone else’s world, to walk across the room, to send a note, or to pray for someone in need. [58:16]
Joshua 1:1-5 (ESV)
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”
Reflection: What is one specific, inconvenient step you can take today to show care for someone God has placed in your path?
Day 3: Your Legacy Begins with Obedience Today
Every one of us will leave a legacy, and it starts with the choices we make right now. Joshua was called to lead the people into the Promised Land, not after more preparation or when it was easier, but immediately after Moses’ passing. God calls us to begin building our legacy of faith and care today, not tomorrow. It starts with simple acts—reaching out, praying, encouraging, and serving. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for someone else to take the lead. The legacy you leave is shaped by your obedience to God’s call in the present moment. [01:07:03]
Joshua 1:1-2 (ESV)
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.”
Reflection: What is one act of obedience you can take today to begin building a legacy of faith and care in your family, church, or community?
Day 4: Love Always Requires Sacrifice and Inconvenience
True love is never cheap or easy—it always costs us something. Jesus’ love for us was demonstrated through the ultimate sacrifice, and He calls us to love others in the same way. When we inconvenience ourselves for the sake of others—whether by giving our time, our resources, or simply our attention—we are reflecting the heart of Christ. The greatest legacy we can leave is not in what we accumulate, but in the lives we touch and the souls we impact because we chose to care, even when it was hard. [01:14:53]
John 15:12-13 (ESV)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Reflection: Who is God calling you to love sacrificially this week, and what practical step can you take to show that love?
Day 5: Your Legacy Is Shaped by Everyday Choices
Every interaction, every word, and every act of kindness contributes to the legacy you are building. People are always watching, and the way you treat others—especially those who may be overlooked or struggling—can have a ripple effect that lasts for generations. Your legacy is not just about the big moments, but about the daily choices to encourage, to serve, to pray, and to invest in others. Trust God with your influence, and remember that the souls you touch are the true measure of your legacy. [01:25:29]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: What is one small, intentional act you can do today to let your light shine and impact someone’s life for Christ?
Quotes
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