What does your "bucket list" say about you?

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,

redeeming the time (Colossians 4:5, NKJV).

“Bucket List” was a popular movie, and the term is now commonly recognized as containing the things people would like to do before they die. It’s actually an interesting concept because you can tell a lot about where a person is spiritually by what they have on their personal bucket list.

I’m certainly not surprised by unbelievers who include things on their list like “take a trip to Fiji” or “buy a Mercedes” or “scale Mt. Everest.” After all, this world is all an unbeliever has. But Christians know otherwise. As self-proclaimed followers of Christ, we are to walk in the footsteps of the One who said He came to serve, not to be served. Our bucket list illustrates our level of understanding of Christ’s servanthood.

For instance, if I were to receive a terminal diagnosis from my doctor today, what would my reaction be? Would I say, “I want to go back to Hawaii one more time” or “I want to take a cruise before I’m too sick to enjoy it”? Nothing wrong with either of those desires, but they would certainly show that I still think life is all about me. After walking with the Lord for nearly fifty years, I would hope I’ve matured a bit beyond that and would instead say, “Father, how do You want me to spend my last days on earth? How can I best serve You?”

Even though I haven’t received a terminal diagnosis from a doctor, I do know that God has numbered my days and will call me home when my time here is finished. Therefore, I’m going to make this personal today and ask the Lord to help me put together a bucket list of what would please Him. I encourage you to do the same. I believe it will help us all to better redeem the time we have left.