2/24/12

What's in your "bucket list"?


Some time ago, there was a movie out with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called the "bucket list".  It dealt with the very question on the poster and is important to us all.  How many people have you known where were all ready to retire and then died suddenly, with all of their dreams unfulfilled?  We all "want" things, some necessary, some not, but since our time on this green Earth is limited, its a good idea if we prioritize our time and talents.  Here is how Jesus addressed the desire to accumulate "things"....

WEB: Luke Chapter 12

[16] He spoke a parable to them, saying, "“The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly. [17] He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ [18] He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. [19] I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’

[20] “But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be?’ [21] So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”"

[22] He said to his disciples, "“Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. [23] Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. [24] Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! [25] Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? [26] If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? [27] Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [28] But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? [29] Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. [30] For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. [31] But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. [32] Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. [33] Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

It is not wrong to desire the necessities of this life.  But, to make the acquisition of possessions your priority is stupidity.  Why?  Because they won't last, that is WHY!!!  Laying up treasures in heaven, loving God and your neighbor as well should be foremost in all our minds.  God has given us today... use it to the best of your ability.  Glorify God by your actions and do not worry about tomorrow because it is not promised to any of us.  Want to do things... fine... make your "bucket list".  Only be sure to put God first... you will be glad you did!!!!