Ebenezer Free Lutheran - January 1,2017

Summary

In this reflective New Year's message, the speaker delves into the concept of legacy, urging listeners to consider the impact they will leave behind. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, the talk emphasizes the importance of intentional living, teaching moments, and the power of actions over words. It contrasts the legacies of Max Jukes and Jonathan Edwards, illustrating how one's choices can influence future generations. The speaker encourages everyone to build a positive legacy by living out their values and nurturing relationships, as the effects of one's life extend far beyond their years.

Takeaways

• 🎉 **New Year Reflections**: The speaker begins by expressing the joy of the New Year, a time for reflection and setting goals.
• 🔄 **Reset and Resolutions**: Discusses the common practice of making New Year's resolutions, often related to health and spirituality, and the challenges in maintaining them.
• 🏆 **Legacy Defined**: Defines 'legacy' as something tangible or intangible passed down from predecessors to successors, including family, friends, and even strangers.
• 💵 **Wealth as Legacy**: Highlights that wealth, while a blessing, should be used responsibly and is not inherently sinful, but accountability is key.
• 🌎 **American Wealth**: Critiques the overemphasis on materialism and hedonism in America, suggesting it should not be part of a negative legacy.
• 🏁 **Legacy of Accomplishment**: Mentions notable figures like Neil Armstrong and the impact their accomplishments can have on future generations.
• 👤 **Everyone Leaves a Legacy**: Emphasizes that every individual leaves a legacy, and it's important to consider what that legacy might be.
• 🕰️ **Five Generation Rule**: Introduces the concept that a parent's influence can affect their descendants for up to five generations.
• 🛠️ **Building a Legacy Intentionally**: Stresses the importance of intentionality in building a legacy, aligning actions with one's values and desired legacy.
• 📚 **Living Out the Word**: Encourages living out one's beliefs and values, especially through the teachings of the Bible, to positively influence future generations.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the transcript?

The main theme of the transcript is the concept of legacy, focusing on how individuals can build a positive and lasting legacy through intentional actions and living according to their values and beliefs.

What does the speaker suggest when thinking about legacy?

The speaker suggests that legacy can be tangible or intangible and is something handed down from one who has gone before to those who are left behind, including children, family members, friends, and even strangers.

What are some examples of legacies mentioned in the transcript?

Examples of legacies mentioned include wealth, accomplishments like Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, kindness exemplified by Mother Teresa, and negative legacies like Adolf Hitler.

How does the speaker relate wealth to legacy?

The speaker relates wealth to legacy by stating that wealth is a blessing from God and can be part of one's legacy. However, it also emphasizes that wealth is not a sin and that people are accountable for the gifts they have received.

What is the 'five generation rule' mentioned in the transcript?

The 'five generation rule' is a sociological concept that suggests the influence of a parent on a child extends through generations, affecting not only their children but also their grandchildren and beyond.

Why is it important to be intentional when building a legacy, according to the speaker?

It is important to be intentional when building a legacy because one's actions and choices directly influence the values and behaviors that are passed down through generations.

What role do teachable moments play in building a legacy?

Teachable moments play a crucial role in building a legacy as they provide opportunities to impart values and lessons that can shape the character and actions of future generations.

How does the speaker emphasize the importance of actions over words in legacy building?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of actions over words by stating that 'more is caught than taught' and by encouraging individuals to let their children and others see them being obedient to God and living out their values.

What are some character traits the speaker suggests should be exemplified in building a legacy?

The speaker suggests exemplifying character traits such as compassion, courage, honesty, humility, generosity, and selflessness in building a legacy.

Why are stories of Max Jukes and Jonathan Edwards significant in the context of legacy?

The stories of Max Jukes and Jonathan Edwards are significant as they demonstrate the far-reaching impact of an individual's legacy, both positively and negatively, and illustrate the concept of the 'five generation rule'.

What final advice does the speaker give regarding legacy?

The speaker advises to use the allotted time to impact the lives of children, grandchildren, and friends positively and lastingly, emphasizing that the time spent with loved ones and the legacy of faith and values will not fade away.