Three Types of Lives: Alive to Arrive

Some people live their lives merely to survive. Each day is a constant battle to maintain sanity.

Others pursue success through power, prestige, and possessions.  They are “alive to arrive” seeking influence, social standing, and wealth.

Many people live for selfish purposes.  The focus of their entire lives is on “me, myself, and I.” In a Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown tells Lucy that the purpose of life is to make others happy.  Lucy responds, “I don’t think I’m making anyone happy. And more importantly, no one is making me happy, so someone isn’t doing their job.”

There is an unspoken ritual that occurs whenever two people meet for the first time.  “So what do you do for a living?”  The answer reveals a great deal about the person’s social status.  Without probing directly the questioner can generally determine the person’s educational background, socioeconomic level, and prestige in the community.

Typically the question is asked for a quick comparison with the degree of success of the inquirer. These people have bought into the selfish lie, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins.” Their purpose is to accumulate more and more things. When someone asks them, “How much is enough?” they respond, “Just a little bit more.”

There’s a true story about a man who poured himself into hard work by day and pleasure by night. “Anything I wanted, I took, and I didn’t restrain myself from any joy,” he explained. He tried everything imaginable – money, possessions, wisdom, knowledge, hard work, and pleasure. But each one failed to satisfy him.  He concluded, “But as I looked at everything I had tried, it was all so useless…and there was nothing worthwhile anywhere.”

The story sounds like something from the TV show Access Hollywood. Instead, it was written almost 3,000 years ago by a man named Solomon.  He was the son of King David who later succeeded his father as king of Israel. At the end of his self-centered spree he wrote, “… Here now is my final conclusion: fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone’s duty.”

Too many people seek the world’s idea of success rather than God’s purpose for their lives.  They are “alive to arrive” in terms of wealth, education, achievement, pleasure, or fulfillment in life.  The Bible warns you, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.” Seeking success isn’t wrong, but if it’s the primary goal, it ultimately will leave the person feeling empty and disillusioned.

What about your life? Are you living an “Alive to Arrive” life? If so, you’re in the “empty zone.” In this type of life, all that glitters is not gold; and “winning” ultimately ends in “losing.” Matthew 16:26 (GNT) says, “Will you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! There is nothing you can give to regain your life.”

There is nothing wrong with money; it’s the love of money that is wrong. Making the pursuit of money your purpose in life leads you further away from God. You can’t serve two masters. You must choose. Is you god Money? Or will your God be God?

As a believer, if God has blessed you with money, you have both a great blessing and a huge responsibility. Remember: “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required” (Luke 12:48 NLT). Use your financial wealth to further the Kingdom of God and bless those who have less than you. In doing so, you will store up “treasures in heaven” and live a life well-lived.

© 2011 Designed to Serve®

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