The following is a fiction story to illustrate the futility of a life lived in the pursuit of what our culture says will satisfy.

The journey started pleasant enough. It was a beautiful cool day. The sun was shining, birds were chirping and there was a light breeze. It really was a perfect day to set out on an adventure. Although distant, when I lifted my gaze straight up I could see the destination. Sure, it was far off but nothing that I couldn’t manage. Squinting, I could see the splendor that awaited me. The ladder was tall and at times I lost sight of it among the clouds. It was a shiny green metal and I couldn’t help but think of Jack and the Beanstalk, but this was no fairy tale, it was the real thing. This was my life and I was determined to succeed. 

With great confidence, I began my climb, quick and energetic, With every rung I could see the prize getting closer. Success would be mine before I knew it. I just had to keep going one foot in front of the other.

As time went on I began to notice just how far I had yet to go. But I was undeterred, after all nothing good ever came easy. It was colder now. My hands had begun to fall asleep from my fingers tightly grasping each and every rung ensuring that I didn’t slip and fall. One misstep and all of the exerted effort would have been in vain. My pace slowed. When I looked down I could see that others had begun the accent. All of us knowing with unwavering certainty that the great prize awaiting us would be worth any temporary discomfort. Great things never come in comfort zones. 

I began to count the rungs as I passed them. It seemed like a good way to pass the time. 1,2,3,4,6, no that can’t be right now I have to start over. 1,2,3,… on and on it went. Only the knowledge that everything I had ever hoped for and dreamed about would soon be attained kept me going. I simply needed to keep pushing ahead. Hand over hand and foot over foot I continued to climb. 

After starting my count over for what seemed to be the three thousandth time, I realized I was no longer wearing shoes. Having long ago lost all feeling to any of my limbs I wondered how long since they had fallen. I’m certain they were on my feet when I started the venture. Oh well, shoes were a small price to pay for what awaited me. So I trudged on. What had started as a joyful journey could now only be described as drudgery.

My eyes were firmly locked on the ladder, no longer wanting to brave the look below. The ladder had long ago become encrusted in corrosion. My hands filled with flakes of rust. The grandeur had given way to ruin. Yet I kept going. 

My arms ached in pain. My legs felt as though they were lead. It took every last ounce of energy that I had to pick my foot up and place it on the rung above. It seemed as though the ladder never ran out of rungs. It was like trying to go the wrong way on an escalator. No matter what I did, the destination didn’t get any closer. But not being one to give up, I pushed on, fighting the pain, cramps, and fatigue. I had spent myself to get here. I remembered the years of training and preparation, I though of the mentors promising that the pain would be worth it in the end. 

I couldn’t believe that I had traveled so far. Blood was dripping from my limbs but I could finally see the prize. The top was nearly within grasp. What felt like a lifetime passed. Perhaps it did. Eventually, I reached the last few rungs, nearly losing my footing in my excitement.to behold the prize. The last few steps felt like an eternity. My eyes crested the long awaited edge and when my eyes beheld what lay before me my mouth opened in shock. It was nothing like I had ever imagined. Simply put it was… nothing, I had climbed the ladder to nowhere. There was nothing special about this place. It was no different than anything else. Expecting the elation of final fulfillment I instead experienced empty disappointment. 

Looking down again I saw others scrambling after me. I tried to warn the upcoming climbers, but they refused to listen, “It’s not what you think. It’s not worth it. Don’t waste your life!” I called down, but few would listen. They were determined and had to see it for themselves.

I’d gotten to the very top, I chased what everyone told me to chase, and it was empty. What a waste. I had spent myself and for what? I slowly and methodically headed back down with a heart full of disappointment and despair.

Another way

Countless people spend their lives striving for what can only lead to disappointment, climbing ladders that reach nowhere. God warns us that what we think satisfies never will. (Proverbs 14:12). Jesus offers another way. He says to seek first the kingdom of God and that then everything else will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).