Bucket List

I was watching Scotty McCreery and Tim McGraw singing Tim's hit "Live Like You Were Dying" on American Idol, and it got me to thinking.  There's a trend of people creating "bucket lists".  That list of things you want to see or do before you die.  Things like "see the Grand Canyon", or "go skydiving", or even "find the world's best pizza (or die trying!)".  While I am all about setting goals and working to achieve them, I think we should probably be looking at this a little differently.

As a Christian I am here to glorify God, but most bucket lists read more like Superman's To-Do list than God's Glory list.  It has little to do with God and a lot to do with satisfying me, and my (super)ego.  If I am truly living like I'm dying, then my focus shouldn't be on doing what I want.  It should be on bringing glory to God, and sharing Him with others.

Today could be my last - I'm not guaranteed tomorrow.  What did I do today to plant a seed for Jesus?  How did I reflect the Lord in my coming and going today?  Who did I reach out to in love?  Who did I forgive?  Who did I help?  How was I Jesus' hands and feet today?

If I am living like I'm dying, then my focus should not be on me, but on those who still need Jesus.  Those who are without hope unless someone (me) tells them about THE GREAT HOPE.  How are my daily conversation and deeds leading others to Christ?

I have to think that when I stand before God, He's not going to be concerned about whether or not I had that pizza.  He's going to want to know how I lived my life for Him on a daily basis.  He'll want to know how hard I tried to tell others about Him.  He'll want to know who I helped in His name.

So, maybe it's time for a new bucket list.  One that includes things like "go on a mission trip - foreign and domestic", or "share with those in prison", but more importantly "live for Jesus - Daily".