Running the Rat Race

Recently I’ve been helped when I read in a Christian book the idea that no one can win the rat race of life. We all know the feeling of striving, trying, working to get ahead, keep up, stay afloat, survive. The problem is that the rat race of life is unwinnable. There is no winner. You’ve probably heard the ridiculous statement ‘he who dies with the most toys wins.’ What nonsense! They’re still dead. So rather than exhaust ourselves like a hamster on a wheel, let’s reconsider what are we striving for?

No, you should not just give up and quit everything in life. You can, however, stop trying to win and succeed by our culture’s definitions and expectations. See what God says about having the wrong focus and priorities.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread,

And your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (Isaiah 55:2)

God asks us why we exhaust ourselves for things that will never complete us. Thinking that things other than God will give us joy, peace, and contentment only leave us poorer in time, energy, and money.

The solution to our problem is to focus and invest in what really matters. The invitation is open to all.

Come, everyone who thirsts,

come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1)

God says that we should seek Him with our whole heart. There is no emptiness with God.

Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

Let’s run the race that we can win. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14)