Living Generously: Time, Talent, and Building Legacy

Devotional

Day 1: Legacy Means Enabling the Next Generation to Do More

A true legacy is when the next generation is able to accomplish more, be better equipped, and go further because of the foundation you have laid today. This is not about making things easier for yourself, but about intentionally investing in others so that your children, your church, and your community can thrive beyond your own reach. Whether in your family, workplace, or church, your choices and sacrifices today can open doors and remove obstacles for those who come after you. Consider how your actions, words, and investments are shaping the future for others—are you making it easier for them to walk in faith, serve, and grow? [40:21]

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (ESV)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life—at home, work, or church—that you can intentionally encourage or equip today so they can go further than you have?

Day 2: Generosity with Our Time Builds Lasting Community

Time is a precious gift from God, and being generous with it means stepping out of your comfort zone to invest in others, especially the next generation. When you share your experiences, wisdom, and presence, you help others avoid your mistakes and grow stronger in their own journey. The Bible reminds us that we are sharpened and strengthened by one another, and that meeting together and encouraging each other is essential for building a legacy that lasts. Don’t let busyness or self-focus keep you from giving your time to those who need it—your presence could be the difference in someone’s life. [53:04]

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can give your time to someone in your church or community this week—perhaps through a conversation, a meal, or serving together?

Day 3: Your Talents Are Meant to Serve Others

God has placed unique talents and abilities in each of us, not for our own benefit, but to serve and bless those around us. Whether your gift is music, encouragement, leadership, or simply making others feel welcome, you are called to steward it well and use it for the good of the body of Christ. Just as an apple tree produces fruit for others to enjoy, your talents are meant to build up the church and help others experience God’s love and grace. Don’t hide your gifts or keep them to yourself—ask God to show you where and how to use them for His glory. [01:07:56]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Reflection: What is one talent or ability you have that you haven’t been using for others? How can you take a step to offer it in service this week?

Day 4: Listening to the Holy Spirit’s Guidance in Generosity

Generosity with your time and talents isn’t about doing everything or burning yourself out—it’s about listening to the Holy Spirit and responding to His leading. Sometimes, you may not know where your gifts fit or how best to serve, but God promises to guide and equip those He calls. Take time to pray, ask God to reveal your gifts, and then be willing to listen and act on what He says. The legacy you leave will be shaped not just by your actions, but by your obedience to God’s voice and your willingness to step out in faith. [01:14:13]

James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Reflection: When was the last time you asked God where He wants you to serve or give? Take five minutes today to pray and then quietly listen for His direction.

Day 5: Jesus Modeled Generosity with Time and Talents

Jesus showed us the ultimate example of using time and talents for others—He poured His life into people, teaching, healing, and equipping them to carry on His mission. He didn’t keep His wisdom or power to Himself, but invested deeply in His disciples and everyone He met, building a legacy that continues to this day. As followers of Christ, we are called to follow His example, using what we have to bless, teach, and serve others, so that God’s kingdom grows and His love is made known. [01:18:57]

John 13:12-15 (ESV)
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Reflection: In what specific way can you follow Jesus’ example of humble service this week—perhaps by meeting a need that no one else sees?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the true meaning of legacy and how each of us can actively build a legacy that outlives us, especially within our church family and the next generation. Legacy isn’t about making a name for ourselves or leaving behind material things; it’s about ensuring that those who come after us can do more, go further, and live better because of the way we lived generously today. This is not just a lofty idea—it’s a practical calling that touches every area of our lives, from our families to our church, and even to our local and global communities.

We’re reminded that legacy is built not by accident, but by intentional choices—especially in how we steward our time and our talents. Time is a gift from God, and it’s one of the most valuable things we can give. It’s easy in our busy, post-COVID world to retreat into our own bubbles, but God calls us to break out of that and invest in others. Whether it’s sharing wisdom with someone younger, serving on a team, or simply being present for someone who needs encouragement, our time can shape the future in ways we may never see.

Talents, too, are not given for our own benefit, but for the good of others. Every one of us has something unique to offer—whether it’s a skill, a gift of encouragement, or simply a willingness to serve behind the scenes. The Bible is clear: our gifts are meant to be used for the building up of the body, not hidden away. When we use our talents generously, we reflect the heart of Christ, who poured Himself out for others.

We’re challenged to pray and listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on where and how to give our time and talents. It’s not about doing everything or burning ourselves out, but about being faithful and available where God leads. The next generation is watching and learning from us. If we live generously now, we set them up to do even greater things for God’s kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Generosity with Time Builds True Legacy Giving our time is one of the most powerful ways to impact others and build a legacy that lasts. Time spent mentoring, serving, or simply being present can shape lives and faith journeys in ways we may never fully realize. When we invest our time in others, especially the next generation, we ensure that our influence continues long after we’re gone. [47:03]
2. Talents Are Meant for Others, Not Ourselves God has placed unique talents in each of us, not for self-promotion, but to serve and bless those around us. When we use our gifts for the benefit of others, we reflect Christ’s selfless love and help the church flourish. Hiding or hoarding our talents limits the impact God wants to make through us. [59:39]
3. Legacy Is Intentional, Not Accidental A lasting legacy doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of deliberate choices to live generously and invest in others. Whether in our families, workplaces, or church, we must purposefully pass on wisdom, faith, and opportunity. The next generation’s success is directly tied to our willingness to pour into them today. [44:25]
4. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s Direction True generosity flows from listening to the Holy Spirit about where and how to serve. It’s not about doing everything, but about being obedient to God’s specific call for our lives. When we pray and listen, God reveals the unique ways we can make a difference and build a legacy that honors Him. [1:12:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:17] - Guest Card and Local Missions
[22:49] - Legacy Lane and Next Generation
[24:15] - Harvest Church History and Vision
[25:18] - Legacy Offering Details
[26:43] - Tithes and Offerings as Worship
[33:57] - Honoring Veterans
[36:06] - Pastor Chuck’s Update from Turkey
[37:23] - Friendsgiving Announcement
[38:54] - Defining Legacy
[43:41] - Core Values: Generosity
[47:03] - Generosity with Our Time
[59:26] - Generosity with Our Talents
[1:07:20] - Scripture on Gifts and Service
[1:12:56] - Listening to the Holy Spirit
[1:16:32] - Responding to God’s Call

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Building a Legacy That Lasts

Bible Reading

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
> Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)
> 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
> 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
> 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
> 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
> 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
> 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Observation Questions

According to Proverbs 27:17, what is the result of people spending time together and investing in each other?
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are some practical benefits of not living life alone?
Based on 1 Peter 4:10-11, what are spiritual gifts supposed to be used for?
In the sermon, what are some specific ways the pastor described that people can be generous with their time at church? ([47:20])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the Bible compares relationships to “iron sharpening iron”? What does this say about the importance of community and legacy?
The pastor said, “God has given us an infinite amount of time on this earth. And so we need to understand that because that is a gift of God, we need to use it for God's glory.” What does it look like to use your time for God’s glory in everyday life? ([48:13])
The sermon emphasized that talents are not given for ourselves, but for others. How does this challenge the way people usually think about their skills and abilities? ([59:39])
The pastor mentioned that legacy is built by intentional choices, not by accident. What are some choices that can help build a legacy in your family, church, or community? ([44:25])

Application Questions

The pastor said, “There are people sitting next to you who could use more of you. There are people who are going to be walking in these doors who need your experiences, your life lived. There are people who need time with you. So give it to them.” Who in your life right now could use more of your time or encouragement? What’s one step you could take this week to be present for them? ([47:20])
Think about a talent or skill you have—big or small. Are you currently using it to serve others, or is it mostly for yourself? What’s one way you could use that talent to bless someone else in the church or your community? ([59:39])
The pastor shared that sometimes we hide our talents or don’t think they matter. Is there a gift or ability you’ve been holding back from using? What’s holding you back, and what would it look like to take a small step of faith to use it? ([01:02:41])
The sermon challenged us to listen for the Holy Spirit’s direction instead of trying to do everything. When was the last time you prayed and listened for where God wants you to serve? How can you make space this week to listen and respond? ([01:12:56])
The next generation is “watching and learning from us.” What is one thing you want the next generation (your kids, youth at church, or others) to learn from your example? What can you do this month to model that for them? ([44:25])
The pastor said, “If we live generously now, we set them up to do even greater things for God’s kingdom.” What is one area of your life where you want to be more generous—with your time, your talents, or your resources? What’s a practical first step you can take? ([44:25])
The sermon mentioned that it’s easy to “retreat into our own bubbles” in a busy world. What are some ways you can break out of your comfort zone to invest in others, even if it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable? ([47:40])

Sermon Clips

22s

#LiveGenerously

“We will live generously with our time, our talent, and our treasure. Here's a key thought. The next generation can do more because I lived generously today. It's kind of a key thought I want you to continue to hold on to and to continue to think about today. That the next generation can do better because I lived generously today.”

21s

#TalentForOthers

“``I am convinced that God has put a talent inside of us all. And it's not for us. It's for the people around us. See, that's the key. That's the key. I believe that God has put a talent in each and every one of us. And the weird thing is, is it's not for us. It's for the people around us.”

23s

“Can we just take a moment to say, God, speak, Holy Spirit, speak, and then can we just take a minute with our hands lifted high and just listen? Listen to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. And then, man, we're going to come up. We're going to close in prayer. And then guess what? You guys are going to go and do what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.”

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