BAPTIZING OUR BUCKET LIST

            A “bucket list" is commonly understood to be a wish list of things we’d like to do before we kick the bucket.  I have noticed that some bucket lists are quite carnal-minded with an intense desire for gratification and self-fulfillment.  However, that need not be the case.  Some bucket lists are altruistic in nature, with a focus on the well-being of others.  For example, we read in Rom.15:24 of Paul’s longing to go to Spain.  This yearning on Paul’s part was driven by a hunger to preach the gospel of Christ in a region where Christ Jesus was not yet known (Rom.15:20).  In years gone by, I knew a couple who couldn’t wait to retire and travel all around the country with their RV assisting a group called "sojourners" in supplying repair and construction needs in smaller, needy congregations and church camps within our brotherhood.  What a wonderful addition to any bucket list! 

            I’m not arguing that every trip we take has to be “sanctified”.  There’s no harm in wanting to see all of the fifty states.  I have a younger bro-ther-in-Christ who aspires to visit every MLB ballpark.  Although I like baseball that’s not something I'm itching to do, but if he aspires to do such, that's okay with me and I’ll smile at his accomplishment.  The thought of having fun in the sun in the dead of winter can be appealing.  We can have our bucket list, but let’s not allow such to become the tail that wags the dog.  Dare we put Christ on the backburner while we chase our fancies?

            What concerns me is when our bucket lists interfere with our commitment to Christ.  If our bucket list means we shortchange the church it needs an overhaul.  The overriding question here is, WHAT IS THE REAL OBJECT OF OUR AFFECTIONS?  More and more it seems like many of God’s people are not all that less in love with the things of the world that the world around us.  As disciples of Christ, have we come to allow the world to squeeze us into their mold (Rom.12:2)?  If so, what will become of our light and our saltiness?  Could it be true that Christianity is neither radical nor counter-cultural after all?  Rather than succumbing to a self-indulgent lifestyle, can we not consider baptizing our bucket list (Col.3:17)? 

                                                             Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ