My Bucket List

I have a bucket list – a list of things I wish to accomplish before dying.  There is only one thing on my “bucket list” which is to be pleasing to God every moment of every day.  While there are a host of things and places in this life intriguing and beckoning; they all, at least in my mind, fail to warrant much time or spending.

I have really bought into the idea (teaching) that there are rewards on the other side and they are worth heavily investing in now!

I Corinthians 15:57-58, But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

There it is – my bucket list motivation:  Your labor is not in vain in the Lord!   God rewards!  

Also of importance:  II Corinthians 9:6, he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully and Matthew 6:20, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

I am persuaded that the “treasures” of this world are at best insignificant in light of God’s rewards on the other side.

The danger is that we get near-sighted and don’t believe that service and sacrifice for Him will be worth it.  We drink at the well of the now and the material (a bucket list of earthly things) and in the process abandon the investment in eternal things.

Such was the danger Asaph wrote about in Psalm 73:

1-3, Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches.

The worldly seem to flourish and are able to fulfill many of their bucket lists ideas while those striving to love and serve the Lord languish: Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning, 13-14.

The battle against envying those chasing the adventures of this world was GREAT: When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me, 16.

But then he paused to ponder life from God’s perspective:  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end, 17. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors, 19.

Nearly ending his pursuit of God’s rewards and joining the world (v. 2), was a very bad idea!  Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant, 21-22.

The world and the worldly have their day but their end is horrific!  It is best to be faithful to the Lord – trusting in His help and His rewards:  Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, 23-26.

The mission?  Not the ease, wealth, pleasures, power, status and/or joys of the world’s things and bucket list ideas, but a daily walk of trusting the Lord and of telling others of His greatness and grace (works). But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works, 28.

There it is: the world’s bucket list of events, places and experiences in this life which are passing or a faithful walk with God with the promise of great rewards from Him on the other side.

My bucket list is a pursuit of His rewards over there.