Last night I saw the movie The Bucket List, which is now on DVD. It was a nice reminder of how important it is to put principles before profits. Money is only temporary, but the relationships we have in Heaven and here on earth are priceless. Though the movie was not necessarily a Christian movie, it did ask a lot of deep, meaningful spiritual questions. I really enjoyed it!

The Bucket List stars Morgan Freeman as Carter Chambers, a car mechanic and loving family man with a knack for Jeopardy-style trivia. It also co-stars Jack Nicholson as Edward Coles; a billionaire who is full of life when it comes to riches and worldly pleasures but empty on personal relationships. The two end up sharing a hospital room as they become terminally ill and expect to live a few more months.

The unlikely duo forms a friendship that takes an interesting look at life and death. Recalling an assignment from college, Carter begins to write a “bucket list”, things he would like to do before he dies. Wealthy Edward also facing mortality decides to add to the “list”. Now with a combined list, the two embark on a journey to fulfill their dreams before they die. As viewers, we are able to see the humorous and dramatic experiences that both men live out as they combat the clock of time.

I love the way this movie makes you ask the big questions: What is truly important in life? Is there life after death? How do you want to be remembered? If you only had a few months to live, what would you do with your remaining time?

These questions transcend to your finances. What is the point of money? How do you want to be remembered? What are some important things that you can do with your money to change the world? If you only had a few months to live, how would you spend your money?

It truly all comes back to God. As we reflect on our mortality and that we are on earth such a short time, shouldn’t we think more about God’s will for us and prepare more for eternity? Life is truly meaningful when God is first in your life, you have an abundance of loving relationship here on earth with family and friends, and you work hard to help those less fortunate than you. May you live a long and prosperous life full of deep and meaningful relationships!