What’s on your bucket list?
God wants you to add something else…
Do you have a bucket list? Lots of people do. It’s a list of things they want to achieve in their life, before they “kick the bucket”. In other words, before they die!
These lists normally include things like going skydiving, getting married, travelling overseas and learning to play the piano. And these are all great things to do!
God wants us to enjoy life and the good things he has given us, including the world he has created, relationships with others, music and fun. And it’s great to set yourself challenges to achieve, like learning to play an instrument or mastering algebra. These things help you to stretch your brain and use it to bring glory to God.
But the Bible says that you should add something else to your bucket list!
Ok, it doesn’t literally say you should add something to your bucket list… but there’s a great challenge in the Bible that would make a perfect addition.
What does God want me to add to my bucket list?
When Jesus had been raised from the dead, he appeared to his disciples just before he was taken into heaven. And he gave them this challenge: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20). This is known as the “Great Commission”.
The Great Commission calls Jesus’ disciples, including Christians like you and me, to devote our lives to helping others become faithful followers of Jesus. Sounds like a challenge, doesn’t it?!
We know all too well that it’s difficult to tell others about Jesus, and to teach them to obey God’s commands. All people are sinful and rebellious. But once you are a Christian, you hold the knowledge of God’s grace and forgiveness, and this precious gift is for everyone! In the Great Commission, Jesus tells you to pass on what you know of God to others.
So what should I try and do?
Make it your aim to share the gospel with as many people as you can. This will involve putting yourself in situations where this is possible.
So, you’ll need to make non-Christian friends, practice sharing your testimony, and prepare yourself to answer questions.
I recommend you start small. Set yourself one or two goals to accomplish each year. For example, if you don’t have any non-Christian friends, your goal for this year could be to make a friend who isn’t a believer! Or, your goal could be to invite five friends to church!
Don’t forget God
Whatever you decide to aim for, it’s important to remember that even though God has given us the amazing privilege of passing on our knowledge of eternal life, he is the one who ultimately brings people to salvation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:6: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. Paul and his colleague Apollos played a role in sharing the gospel and helping people understand it, but God was the one who grew people in their faith until they were in relationship with him.
This means that we are free to put ourselves out there and boldly share the gospel, knowing that God is in control. It means that even if we are nervous, God will use the things we say and the example we set to display his love to others.
At the end of the Great Commission, Jesus says: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) If you add Help people become Christians to your bucket list, always remember that Jesus is with you and working through you when you try and achieve that goal.
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