Life was made for living. Don’t be like the guy who’s tombstone read:

Dead at 38…Buried at 88

Life is too short to live a deadbeat, down & out-type of existence. You were created for adventure and you were created for purpose. There are too many people who are walking around dead to their dreams, dead to their potential, and dead to their opportunities. In fact, the Bible speaks about this…

Ephesians 2:1-10

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to livewhen you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us,God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christand seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We ar ALIVE in Christ. We are no longer dead. We have been created for good works and great potential. Here is what ALIVE people do…

1. They Are Grateful For Each Day

When people who are alive on the inside wake up they understand it is a gift from God. They walk through their day with thankfulness and gratefulness. They have a pep in their step because of Christ who lives in them. They are enthusiastic about life. In fact, the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek words “En” meaning IN, and “Theos” meaning GOD. Enthusiasm literally means, IN-GOD!

2. They Are Purposeful In Each Day

People who are alive live life with a purpose and on purpose. This means they are intentional about making the right choices that will get them one stop closer to living their destiny. They let go of things that don’t matter, and grab ahold of the things that truly do matter. They keep their focus on their gifts, strengths, impact, opportunities, and mission in life. They choose to do things that matter most, and forget about what matters least.

3. They Are Developing Each Day

Everyday is an opportunity to get better. Deadbeats have stopped growing and learning. They give up on their pursuits, but alive people are always in growth mode. They are preparing for the future by learning new skills, new ways, and new relationships with others. They are students of life, always improving themselves for the journey ahead. If you aren’t doing something today that is developing you for tomorrow, you might be a deadneck (that is my Jeff Foxworthy version of redneck jokes).