“The strength to carry, the heart to lead, the legacy to leave.”
This past Sunday, we gathered not only to celebrate Father’s Day but to reflect on the powerful responsibility and influence that godly men carry. The sermon titled “Strong Shoulder, Lasting Legacy” reminded us that spiritual strength is not about physical power—it’s about character, consistency, and calling.
In a world that often overlooks or misunderstands the role of fathers and spiritual leaders, God’s Word elevates it. He calls men to be more than providers or protectors. He calls them to carry weight, walk in righteousness, and pass on a legacy that lasts beyond their lifetime.
1. Shoulders Built to Carry
We began in Joshua 4:1–7, where God commanded twelve men—one from each tribe—to carry stones from the Jordan River to build a memorial. These stones represented what God had done for Israel: delivering them, guiding them, and establishing them as His people.
The men didn’t carry these stones for themselves. They carried them for future generations. Joshua said, “When your children ask… ‘What do these stones mean?’ you will tell them how the Lord made a way.”
This is a picture of what godly men are called to do:
Carry weight that builds others up.
Bear responsibility with humility and strength.
Establish a testimony that speaks to the faithfulness of God.
The shoulders of a man of God aren’t just strong for work—they’re strong for worship, strong for prayer, strong for burden-bearing. They carry the spiritual weight of their family and community with grace.
2. A Legacy of Faith, Not Just a Name
Legacy isn’t what we leave to people. It’s what we leave in them.
Psalm 112:1–2 says,
“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”
That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident. It’s formed:
In moments of prayer your children may never hear.
In choices made when no one is watching.
In forgiveness offered when it’s undeserved.
In truth spoken when it would be easier to stay silent.
A lasting legacy is built when men choose to live with integrity, humility, and unwavering faith.
3. Your Strength is Not Your Own
Ephesians 6:10 says, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
The strength to carry your assignment, to lead your family, to live with godly conviction—that strength comes from the Lord.
This means we don’t have to pretend we’ve got it all together.
We don’t have to carry everything alone.
We can lean on the One whose strength is perfect in our weakness.
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.”
God doesn’t just give men strength—He becomes their strength.
4. What Are You Leaving Behind?
The question we left with Sunday was this:
What kind of legacy are you building right now?
Whether you’re a father, grandfather, mentor, or spiritual leader—your influence matters.
Will your children remember your faith more than your failures?
Will your coworkers remember your integrity more than your title?
Will your community remember your impact more than your income?
We are all leaving something behind. Let it be a testimony that points people to Jesus.
Closing Thoughts: Shoulders That Serve, Hearts That Lead
A man of God doesn’t need to be perfect. He needs to be present. He needs to be faithful. He needs to be willing to carry the weight God has entrusted to him—not in his own strength, but with the help of the Holy Spirit.
May we be men (and raise men) who carry the stone of testimony, walk in the strength of the Lord, and build a legacy that speaks long after we’re gone.
To every father, mentor, and spiritual leader—thank you for carrying what others may never see and standing firm in the quiet strength God has given you.
The shoulder may carry the stone, but the heart carries the legacy.
With honor and blessing,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"
