In my last post, I started to talk about five decisions that will determine the legacy we will leave. The first decision was “Who are you following?”
I have never met anyone who wants their life to be a complete failure. Every person wants to know their life has counted for something. We all want to have a great legacy.
Today, we are going to continue walking through 2 Timothy 2:1-7 by looking at the second decision that will determine our legacy:
Decision #2: Where Are You Investing?
When we think about investing, we often look at our financial plan. For the apostle Paul, investing was far more intense and personal than deciding where to put the money from your tax return. Paul teaches Timothy to take what he has learned and pass it on to other faithful men who will also be able to teach others.
If we are focused only on investing in ourselves (our career, education, hobbies, etc) then that is where our legacy will end. If we are focused on investing in the lives of other people, then we can have a legacy that lasts for generations.
My life has been one chapter after another of people investing in me. My parents obviously had a profound influence in my life. I’ve also had people mentor me in every season of life. I will always remember being in one of the most difficult seasons of life and having two men step in and tell me how much they believe in me. They stood by my side, helped me discover my gifts, and pointed me in the right direction. I am who I am today because of God’s grace and because of the people who have invested in me.
I know life can feel like it’s always busy. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being busy as long as we are being productive. The best way we can be productive is to invest in the lives of other people. Giving money is good – giving yourself is better.
How to Invest in Others
- Look at the people God has already brought around you. There are no accidents with God. You are connected with those people for them to help strengthen your life and for you to help strengthen theirs.
- Consider your past experiences. I find God brings us through experiences so we can help others who may be going through something. Take your past experiences and find ways to give your time to help others who may be going through something similar.
- Pay attention. Every day there may be new opportunities God brings into your path. Watch for them and step into these opportunities. Sometimes it may only take one conversation to change the entire trajectory of someone’s life.
- Love – Believe – Testify – Empower. Seek to truly love these people. Believe in them and who God has made them to be. Testify to them of how God has shaped your life. Empower and support them to be everything God has designed them to be.
I’m Not That Person
Sometimes we underestimate our ability to positively impact the life of someone else. We think we have nothing to offer others. Here is what I believe with all my heart: if you have a pulse then you have something to offer. Pass on to others what God has been teaching you.
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