Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
A “bucket list” is a list of goals, dreams, and aspirations a person seeks to accomplish before they “kick the bucket.” The idea was popularized by the 2007 movie by this title. It is good to set goals to help us stay focused on what matters most and allow us to measure our progress. Bucket list goals often relate to travel, adventures, career accomplishments, educational achievements, health goals, etc. These goals are typically quite ambitious and somewhat difficult to achieve. It is this element that makes it so adventurous. I would like to encourage us all to create a bucket list of spiritual goals we want to achieve before we “kick the bucket.” Though much fulfillment can come from an earthly bucket list, this satisfaction will end. However, the spiritual bucket list produces eternal joy (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
Obviously, we understand living faithfully on a day-to-day basis is the singular goal of every Christian, but what concrete steps can we take to achieve this goal? Peter told his readers to add the seven Christian graces to their faith to secure their calling and election (2 Peter 1:5-12). These were specific, measurable, goals that demanded action to succeed. I would like to suggest two broad areas for “bucket list” goals in our spiritual lives with a few specific ideas of how to achieve them.
The first area is sharpening our own spiritual senses. We can do no better than we know to do. Paul told Timothy to immerse himself in the things of God’s word that his growth would be evident (1 Timothy 4:15). The Hebrews writer urged his readers to progress into the deeper things of God (Hebrews 5:11-6:2). To accomplish this overarching bucket list goal, some smaller steps may prove helpful, all of which demand proper use of our time and energy. Like secular bucket lists, we must sacrifice some things in pursuit of others.
We could watch or listen to Bible lectures, sermons, classes, podcasts, etc. instead of our favorite music, tv shows, political content, sports, movies, etc. The school of preaching down the road offers their classes free of charge to anyone who wants to audit them. The church provides PTP 365 to all our members with thousands of free lessons. Apologetics Press has a wealth of good materials available for free. Christian Courier does as well. I also recommend checking out abiblecommentary.com for free online commentaries and biblical articles. The ladies have a digging deep class every week. I would not hesitate to offer a similar class on a wider scale if the interest is there. Resources abound, so the only question is our willingness to engage them.
The second broad area is outward facing. Once we have filled our souls to overflowing with the things of God, then we must share that precious treasure with others. Personal Bible studies are the number one way to convert and/or strengthen a soul which is the primary function of the church (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:1-4). God gave us one another for a reason, so we must be about the business of stirring one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). This can branch out into areas of benevolence (Galatians 6:10), teaching as stated above, correction (Galatians 6:1), hospitality (Hebrews 13:2), and the list could go on and on.
In the end, like secular bucket lists, the items we put in our spiritual bucket lists may differ in their specific details. Nonetheless, the overarching aim is to draw ever nearer to the Lord through the pursuit of the things on our list. Thankfully, unlike earthly bucket lists, none of us lacks the necessary provisions to complete our spiritual bucket lists (2 Peter 1:3), so let us get to the task at hand.