Message Summary

Deep inside our hearts, we have a desire to live a life that will outlast us – to do something with our life that will remain. To do this, we must be willing for God to shape us into the Christ-like person He wants us to be.

The first step is to invite Jesus Christ into our life. Secondly, we have to put and keep Jesus at the center of our life. We have to be teachable, willing to change, open to God using us in simple and profound ways. Give, forgive, love from the heart, and stop engaging in sexual immorality. This is complete submission to Jesus, day by day. It will sting, but it will be worth the cost.

The third choice is to make a contribution with your life. This can be different for different people and change over the course of your life. Whatever talents and gifts God has given you, use them to make a contribution to help others, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Bring life by bringing Jesus.

Which people have had the most positive impact on your spiritual walk? Why?
- Have you or can you thank them?
What lessons have you learned in life that you could pass on to others?

Consider This

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength”
Mark 12:30
This is putting God at the center of your life. Putting him at the center of your everything will automatically have an impact on others and leave a legacy that will last.

Imagine yourself at the end of your life. What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave behind? Name the people you want to impact.
In Exodus 35, Moses persuaded the Israelites to surrender their gold, jewels and fine fabric to construct the tabernacle. Read Exodus 34:29-35. Discuss how Moses was able to influence so many people to give to what became an amazing legacy.
Read Exodus 33:11. How can this apply to you? How can you find the power to influence others for good?
The centurion, Cornelius, left a legacy of many Gentile believers. How was his life different? Who did he influence for Christ and how? (Acts 10:1-8, 24, 44)
What effect does speaking a blessing upon those in your various spheres of influence have? Can you think of any opportunities you might have this week to bless others and give glory to God?
God has “committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18-20). Could you be Christ’s ambassador this week? How might you appeal to and implore others to be reconciled to God?)
Our significance is tied up in who we are in Christ. “In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:4-5), not necessarily how we perform. However, what is true of our “labor in the Lord,” whether we see results or not? (1 Cor. 15:58)
Except for people and God’s word, everything in this world will be destroyed. Considering your season of life (rhythm), how well do you prioritize relationships with other activities? Are you leaving a legacy of people?
Read Ephesians 4:15. How well do you give sincere compliments to those around you? Could you kick that up a notch? Maybe make a goal of at least one sincere compliment to every significant person in your life every day.

Moving Forward – Application

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward”
1 Corinthians 3:11-14

Write down what legacy you desire to leave. How does your current life align with your desired legacy? What actions are you taking to build that legacy?
What are your priorities? Are you achieving your goals? Will you have any regrets if you left this life today?
If you were to die tomorrow what would you want your family and friends to say about you?
Write down what you plan will be your contribution to others in your life this week? Do it.