In our modern culture, people often speak about having a bucket list. A bucket list consists of things you want to accomplish or experience before you “kick the bucket.” A quick internet search turns up dozens of books, blogs, websites, and even movies dedicated to ideas for bucket lists.
So what’s on your bucket list?
If you’re like most people, your list probably is composed of items like:
- Skydive
- Travel to a foreign country
- Swim with sharks
- Learn a new language
- Hike the Appalachian Trail
- Meet someone famous
- Write a book
- Attend a professional sporting event
The list could go on and on, and each person could come up with an entirely unique list. However, most bucket lists usually share one thing in common: They’re composed of “once-in-a-lifetime” events or experiences.
Leaving a Legacy
Our minister recently preached a series about leaving a legacy. (You can watch or listen to the series here.) In his last lesson about legacy, he introduced the idea of a spiritual bucket list. When we have a list of spiritual goals we are working towards, we not only increase our own faith, we leave a lasting effect on those we come in contact with. Both individuals and churches should have a bucket list.
So what might we include on a spiritual bucket list? We might include things like:
- Read the Bible all the way through
- Go on a mission trip
- Talk to a stranger about Jesus
- Convert someone to Christ
- Memorize a large passage of Scripture
- Get involved with a new ministry at church
- Support a missionary
Don’t these sound like wonderful, worthwhile challenges and opportunities? The difference between the typical bucket list and the spiritual bucket list is that the spiritual list doesn’t have to be–and shouldn’t be–a “one and done.” While a regular bucket list is designed to get shorter as items are checked off, I would suggest that a spiritual list should get longer as we continue to grow in spiritual maturity.
The Challenge
I challenge each of you to develop your own list of spiritual goals. Along with goals for yourself, consider creating a bucket list as a family. Develop a list with your small group or even with your whole congregation.
If the apostle Paul created a bucket list, I like to think that he might have added “win the crown of righteousness” to his list. After all, isn’t heaven the ultimate bucket list item we could ever hope to accomplish?
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Sounds like it’s just some goals – and we should all be trying to witness to people anyway….
You’re right, it is goal-setting, just in the spiritual realm rather than the worldly. I think when we make these bucket lists, or set goals, we tend to make them a priority and take steps toward making those goals a reality. I have to admit that I had not really thought about having a spiritual bucket list, other than putting “be a daily bible reader” as a New Year’s resolution. After hearing this lesson at church, I think I will be more aware of things to add to my spiritual bucket list and ways to accomplish those items!
I love the thought of a spiritual bucket list, and I’ve done all the ones on your list!
That’s awesome! So do you have any other suggestions for a spiritual bucket list? I’d love to hear them!
Thats a good idea. Keeping goals in front of us is helpful. Helps us look back and see how God is working in our hearts and lives.
I hadn’t thought about looking back, but you are so right that it helps remind us that God is always working behind the scenes!
I don’t have a bucket list – spiritual or otherwise. But I imagine if I did, they would be the same. I’d love to adopt some day, but I don’t know if God has it for me. I wanted to read the Bible chronologically this summer, but I’m not sure if it’s going to happen. Life is just so fast paced. My main goal right now is just to take it one day at a time and love Jesus more.
I hear you about life being so fast-paced! It is hard to intentionally leave margin in our lives, but I love that your main goal is to love Jesus more! It can’t be any more authentic than that!
That is such a great idea and I am going to do that! I am excited to make a spiritual bucket list and get my family involved as well!
I’d love to hear what you come up with as a family!
I love the idea of a spiritual bucket list. I have never thought of that. I’m going to make one! Thanks for the encouragement!
You’ll have to share what you come up with for your own list!
I do have a spiritual bucket list of things my heart desires to do before He comes back or I go home! I think it is important to keep our priorities in the right place.
I love the way you put that – “before he comes back or I go home.” Such a great outlook!
I love this idea! I don’t have a spiritual bucket list per se, but there are definitely some items on my “general” bucket list that are spiritual in nature. I think I’ll develop a spiritual bucket list and put it on my bathroom mirror.