You may have heard of bucket lists -an inventory of things to do before you die. It’s a trendy thing that lots of people enjoy doing, myself included. I first created my bucket list in my early teens. It was a rather short list made up of two items: skydiving, and scuba diving. I wanted to do other things before dying like getting married, traveling, becoming successful, etc. But in my youthful naivete, I took those for granted.
However, as I got older (and hopefully wiser), my bucket list grew substantially. But the nature of my bucket list dramatically changed when I became a Christian and began to live with an eternal perspective.
As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
Our lives are so short and insignificant compared to heaven that the Bible calls it a vapor (James 4:14). But what we do now in this brief period will determine where and how we will spend eternity.
Moreover, one day, we will all stand before Jesus to give Him an account of our lives ( 2 Corinthians 5:10). With that in mind, I think every Christian should do the following eight things while they are on this side of eternity.
1. Become a disciple of Christ
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21
In biblical times, a disciple was someone who actively imitated the life and teaching of his master. Many people call themselves Christians but do not actively follow Jesus. We are created to obey God and make Him Lord of our life.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 says the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments. Being saved is terrific, but it’s the floor, not the ceiling. So while you are still here, follow Christ wholeheartedly and put Him first.
2. Share your testimony
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Revelation 12:11
As a Christian, you have a testimony, and you must share it. When you share your testimony you provide freedom and encouragement to someone, and you give glory to God. Your story reflects God’s love and grace toward us, and it could be the only way some people will witness Him.
So make sure to tell people what God has done for you. Not only how He saved you, but every other thing He has done for you; healings, answered prayers, etc. You can learn how to share your testimony here.
3. Fulfill your calling
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
God created you on purpose with purpose. You have a specific calling on your life. God has an area He wants you to get planted in, people He wants you to influence, and a work He wants you to accomplish. Find out what God has called you to do and do it.
Don’t reject it because of what it might cost you, its difficulty, or what others may say. But be like the faithful servant who was fruitful and multiplied (Matthew 25:14-29). And when you stand before Jesus, He also say, “well done my good and faithful servant.”
4. Forgive those who hurt you
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15
Jesus said offenses would come into our lives, and when it does, He taught us to respond with forgiveness. Regardless of what people do; God wants us to forgive. If you have someone in your life who has hurt you, you must forgive him before you die.
Don’t end your days with unforgiveness and bitterness in your heart. But extend forgiveness and receive healing and peace. It’s not easy, but you can do all things in Christ who empowers you with His grace.
5. Love like Christ (serve)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34
God created us out of love, and for love. The greatest commandment is to love, and before getting to heaven, you need to love like Christ. To love like Christ is to serve others, and put them above yourself.
Loving like Christ is hard due to our selfish nature, but it’s the most rewarding thing we can do in our lives. Begin by serving at your church, volunteer in your community and if possible, go on a mission trip. Commit to loving others like Jesus, and your life will never be the same.
6. Give generously and sacrificially
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
God is generous and gracious, and as He created us in His image, we should be generous as well. Giving will lead you to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. The Bible even says it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Don’t spend your time on this side of eternity hoarding your treasure like the rich fool in Luke12:16-21, but instead be rich towards God. Tithe regularly, donate to charities, give to the poor, etc. And before you die, take it a step further and give sacrificially. Remember where your treasure is, there also will be your heart.
7. Win a soul for Christ
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Bringing someone to Christ is one of the greatest thing you can do in this life . We are the light and salt of the world, and our mission is to usher the lost from the darkness to God’s glorious light.
Imagine getting to heaven and seeing someone is there because of you, because of your faithfulness, your prayers, and your testimony. I can’t think of anything better besides seeing Jesus face to face. Therefore, be active in sharing the good news, share it to that coworker who doesn’t know God, or that friend of a different religion, and fulfill the last commandment Jesus gave us.
8. Finish your race and keep the faith
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:12-13
Here is a sad fact; some people will leave the faith. Jesus foretold it in the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20). Some will leave because of trials, and others will leave because they love the world too much. But they are those who will keep the faith and bear many fruits.
It’s vital you spend the remainder of your life in the last group. The enemy will use any means to make you abandon your faith, but resist him, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Set your eyes on the heavenly prize set before you and persevere to the very end.
And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Revelation 22:12
Once we die, that’s it! There is no do-over; whatever we sow now, we shall reap it in heaven. So let’s not focus on worldly things, but live every day with an eternal perspective. Aim to complete this list before you meet Jesus. And there’s no better time than today to start. Also, keep in mind that the items on this list are not one-off events, but things to do repeatedly throughout your life.
This list is by no means exhaustive. If you have some things you believe every Christian ought to do before heaven, please leave them in the comment below, I would love to read them.
Great, very encouraging….
These are all the right things we should be doing as Christians. The first person I led to the Lord was on a mission trip to Mexico as a teenager. I had only two years of high school Spanish but the lady I was giving a Spanish tract to wanted me to read it to her. I struggled through that whole thing, but afterwards, she wanted to accept Christ! The missionary we were working with prayed with her. I praise the Lord there have been others along the way but not enough. This is one area I pray for the… Read more »
Hi Leslie, thank you for sharing your story. That’s so awesome that you were able to bring someone to Christ from such a young age! It’s great that you decided to struggle through it instead of not doing it. Your story reminds me that God can use simple acts of obedience to make a difference. It doesn’t always have to be grand gestures! I also struggle with that area; I have never actively shared my faith to non-believers. I fear that I won’t have the right words and cause more harm than good. But Jesus said He will be with… Read more »