Investing in the Next Generation with Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Investment in the Next Generation

Every person has been shaped by someone who saw their hidden potential and chose to invest in them, often changing the trajectory of their lives. This is not just about casual encouragement, but about being deliberate and strategic in helping others grow into who God created them to be. No matter your age or stage of life, you have the opportunity to be that person for someone else—someone who sees beyond the present and helps nurture the future adult they can become. Consider how you might intentionally invest in the next generation, just as someone once did for you. [36:31]

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Reflection: Who is one younger person in your life you could intentionally encourage or invest in this week, and what specific step could you take to begin?

Day 2: Begin With the End in Mind

Raising or mentoring others is most effective when we start with a vision for the adult they will become, not just the child they are now. This means discerning their unique strengths and weaknesses, and guiding them intentionally along the path of wisdom and life. Just as a coach develops a tailored plan for growth, we are called to help others build healthy habits and character, always keeping the long-term goal in sight. [47:19]

Proverbs 4:11-13 (ESV)
I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

Reflection: What is one habit or value you want to intentionally model or instill in someone you influence, and how can you start today?

Day 3: Relational Connection Before Rules

Trust is the foundation for influence, especially with the next generation. Authentic, consistent relationships open the door for meaningful impact, far more than rules or authority alone ever could. Jesus modeled this by building deep relationships with his disciples before giving them instructions or commissions. In a world where many feel disconnected, your genuine care and presence can be the bridge that helps others grow and thrive. [59:31]

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Reflection: How can you intentionally build trust and deeper relationship with someone younger this week, showing them Christ’s love in action?

Day 4: Model Authentic Faith

More is caught than taught—those you influence will learn most from your example, not just your words. Being open about your struggles, showing grace, and prioritizing prayer and Scripture together creates an environment where authentic faith can flourish. Rather than striving for perfection, let your life be a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness, inviting others to walk honestly and humbly with you. [01:01:00]

Philippians 3:17 (ESV)
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Reflection: In what area of your life can you be more transparent about your faith journey, and how might sharing this help someone else grow?

Day 5: Character Development Over Compliance

The true goal in raising or mentoring others is heart transformation, not just outward compliance. It’s about who they are becoming on the inside, not merely how they behave on the outside. In a culture that often values appearances, the church is called to support and encourage genuine character growth, emphasizing internal motivations and the fruit of the Spirit over mere rule-following. [01:04:00]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Reflection: What is one area where you tend to focus on outward behavior—either in yourself or others—and how can you shift your focus to nurturing true heart change?

Sermon Summary

Who has seen your potential and changed the trajectory of your life? Each of us has been shaped by someone who looked beyond our present and invested in our future, often seeing possibilities we couldn’t see in ourselves. This is not just a story of our past, but an invitation for us to become that person for someone else, regardless of our age or stage in life. The call is to think intentionally about the next generation, to begin with the end in mind, and to invest in others so they can become adults who will transform the world.

Drawing from Proverbs, the wisdom is clear: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This is not a guarantee of outcomes, but a principle of intentional, individualized investment. Just as a coach tailors a training plan to each athlete, we are called to discern the unique strengths and weaknesses of those we mentor, guiding them on the path of wisdom and life. The process is not about rigid control, but about nurturing, setting boundaries, coaching, and eventually consulting—four stages that mirror the journey from childhood to adulthood.

Relational connection is foundational. Trust is the currency of influence, and authentic relationships open the door for real impact. More is caught than taught; our authentic faith, including our failures and our grace, speaks louder than any lesson. The goal is not mere compliance or outward behavior, but deep character formation—a transformation of the heart that endures beyond our presence.

Imagine a community where every person is committed to raising the next generation with the end in mind, where each of us identifies and invests in one young person by name. Whether as parents, mentors, aunts, uncles, or spiritual family, we are all called to this work. Even if we feel overwhelmed or unqualified, we start where we are and use what we have, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient and that He specializes in redemption stories. We are not just raising children; we are raising adults who will shape the world, building from the ground up with eternity in mind.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Intentional Investment Every one of us has been shaped by someone who saw our hidden potential and chose to invest in us deliberately. This kind of investment is not casual encouragement, but a strategic, loving commitment to help another become who God created them to be. We are now invited to be that person for someone else, regardless of our age or background, by seeing with God’s eyes and acting with eternity in mind. [36:31]
2. Begin with the End in Mind Raising the next generation—whether as parents, mentors, or spiritual family—requires us to envision the adults they will become, not just the children they are now. This means customizing our guidance, discipline, and encouragement to their unique strengths and weaknesses, always aiming for wisdom and maturity rather than mere compliance. Our faithfulness in this process increases the likelihood of lasting impact, even if outcomes are not guaranteed. [47:19]
3. The Four Stages of Influence: Carer, Cop, Coach, Consultant Our roles in the lives of young people change over time: from nurturing their needs (Carer), to setting boundaries (Cop), to guiding and advising (Coach), and finally to being available as a consultant. Each stage requires different skills and a willingness to let go as they mature, trusting God with their journey. The hardest seasons—especially when they stray—call for patience, grace, and a refusal to revert to earlier, more controlling roles. [54:29]
4. Relational Connection Before Rules Trust is the foundation for any real influence. Authentic, consistent relationships open hearts and create the space for guidance and correction to be received. Jesus modeled this by loving and investing in his disciples before commissioning them, showing us that love and relationship must precede instruction and discipline if we want to see true transformation. [59:31]
5. Prioritize Character Development Over Compliance The ultimate goal is not outward conformity, but inward transformation. Focusing on heart change and character development, rather than just behavior modification, prepares the next generation to stand firm in a world that pressures them to conform. As a community, we must create environments where honesty, grace, and growth are valued above perfection, trusting God to work in the hearts of those we mentor. [61:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:29] - Who Saw Your Potential?
[01:30] - Reflecting on Influencers in Our Lives
[03:00] - Personal Story: Investment in Leadership
[05:00] - The Power of Strategic Investment
[07:00] - Fitness Analogy: Intentional Growth
[10:00] - The Importance of Having a Plan
[13:00] - Proverbs: Training Up the Next Generation
[16:00] - The Path of Wisdom and Life
[18:00] - Four Stages of Influence: Carer, Cop, Coach, Consultant
[25:00] - Navigating the Hard Seasons
[30:00] - Three Strategic Foundations
[35:00] - Relational Connection Before Rules
[38:00] - Modeling Authentic Faith
[41:00] - Character Development Over Compliance
[45:00] - A Call to Invest in the Next Generation
[50:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) — > Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Psalm 131:2 (ESV) — > But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

John 13:34-35 (ESV) — > A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Observation Questions

According to Proverbs 22:6, what is the principle given about raising the next generation? Is this a promise or a principle? ([47:19])
In the sermon, what are the four stages of influence described for those investing in the next generation? ([49:13])
How does the sermon describe the importance of relational connection before setting rules or giving instruction? ([59:31])
What does Jesus say will show the world that we are his disciples, according to John 13:34-35? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on authentic relationships?

Interpretation Questions

Why does the speaker emphasize that Proverbs 22:6 is a principle and not a guarantee? How might this affect the way we approach mentoring or parenting? ([47:19])
What is the significance of moving through the four stages of influence (Carer, Cop, Coach, Consultant) rather than staying stuck in one? How might this impact the growth of the person you are investing in? ([49:13])
The sermon says, “Trust is the currency of influence.” Why is trust so foundational for real impact, especially with the next generation? ([59:31])
The speaker mentions that “more is caught than taught.” What does this mean for how we live out our faith in front of others? ([59:31])

Application Questions

Think back to your own life. Who saw your potential and invested in you? What specific thing did they do that made a difference? How can you do something similar for someone else? ([36:31])
The sermon challenges us to “begin with the end in mind” when investing in the next generation. What kind of adult do you hope the young people in your life will become? What is one practical step you can take this week to help them move in that direction? ([49:13])
Of the four stages of influence (Carer, Cop, Coach, Consultant), which stage are you currently in with someone you are investing in? Are you finding it hard to let go or move to the next stage? What would it look like to trust God more in this process? ([54:29])
The sermon says, “Relational connection before rules.” Is there a relationship in your life where you have focused more on rules than on connection? What could you do to build more trust and connection with that person? ([59:31])
The speaker encourages us to prioritize character development over compliance. Can you think of a time when you focused on outward behavior instead of heart change? How could you shift your approach to focus more on character? ([01:01:30])
The sermon invites everyone, regardless of age or background, to identify one young person by name to invest in. Who is one person God might be putting on your heart? What is one thing you could do this week to encourage or support them? ([01:17:59])
If you feel overwhelmed or unqualified for this work, the sermon says to “start where you are and use what you have.” What is one small, realistic step you can take to begin investing in the next generation, trusting God’s grace to fill in the gaps? ([01:17:59])

Sermon Clips

And here's the key insight that I want you to understand is this, that every one of us sitting here and those who are online, that we have been shaped by someone who saw our hidden potential and deliberately invested in us. And so today, we have the opportunity to be that person for someone else. It doesn't matter how old you are, we all have that opportunity. [00:37:19] (29 seconds) #InvestInPotential

Were they just actually just being casually kind or were they thinking strategically about the adult they wanted to help you become? And so what if, what if, we began thinking about the next generation with the end in mind? [00:37:54] (20 seconds) #EndInMindMentorship

In the book of Proverbs, this concept of the way, right, train up the child in the way he should go, is presented as one being on the path of wisdom and life, right? The way is the way of wisdom and life. Compared and contrast and often in Proverbs, compared to the path or the way of death and destruction. So the way here is the way of life and wisdom. And this is actually about being intentional. And in many ways, it's about customising the training to the individual. [00:46:28] (43 seconds) #IntentionalWisdomPath

It's someone who dedicates themselves to a specific goal, right? It's one who initiates a training program and creates an appetite for healthy habits, right? That is the role of elders. That is the role of mentors. That is the role of people like you and me to look at this next generation and to help them to build healthy habits in their life. [00:47:33] (27 seconds) #EldersBuildHabits

Proverbs are principles of wisdom. They are wisdom principles. They don't guarantee the outcome, right? Let me just say that. It's not, if you do all of these things, then they will do that, right? It's a set of principles. And that our faithfulness, and here's the interesting conundrum for many of us, that our faithfulness doesn't guarantee the choices that our children make in life. But here's the thing. Strategic parenting dramatically increases the likelihood that even if the child departs for a season and perhaps for many of us, for some of us, it feels like a very, very long season, in principle, they will return to the way. They won't depart from the teachings. [00:48:35] (62 seconds) #FaithfulParentingPrinciples

We're not raising children we're raising adults who will transform the world and for some of us many of us here are either parents or perhaps we don't have children of our own the same principle applies if we're thinking ourselves as a mentor or someone who are training others that we're not just raising them as children we're raising them to be adults who transform the world. [00:50:29] (26 seconds) #RaisingWorldChangers

This is the stage where we ask questions before giving answers. It's the stage where we transition from external control to internal motivation. Now, the mistake I often see here, and I suppose the tension parents have with their child is in this stage. The parent, intentionally or not, is trying to control the outcome, to make decisions for the child who is effectively transitioning into adulthood. [00:57:17] (33 seconds) #LeadWithWhy

We may not see it right now but I want you to know that God is building all of us up from the ground in preparation for what he will do right here in Kingsford Church in the future. [01:10:40] (15 seconds) #SupportWithGrace

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