Godliness with contentment is great gain. —1 Timothy 6:6
A sign by the roadside carried this message: “I’m getting sick of the rat race. The rats keep getting bigger and faster.” Many men and women, no doubt, feel that way. In spite of amazing advances in technology, people’s frustration level seems as high or higher than ever. The core problem is that sinful human nature hasn’t changed.
Almost 3,000 years ago, Solomon made three insightful observations about the rat race of life in his day. First, he said that a desire to outdo one’s peers was the motive behind much human industriousness, and this was a no-win situation (Ecclesiastes 4:4).
Second, those who dropped out of the rat race became lazy and unproductive. This kind of idleness is foolish and self-destructive (Eccl 4:5).
Third, Solomon said that people became so obsessed with making money that they didn’t form healthy relationships. This made them go through life without purpose or meaning, never satisfied with all they had worked for.
Remember, “Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, … with toil and grasping for the wind” (Eccl 4:6). To avoid compulsive grasping or self-destructive escapism, put God at the center of your life and be thankful for what He has given you. Then you’ll succeed in the rat race of life. —HVL
The secret of contentment is
To let the Lord supply;
Just do your part and put God first
And on His Word rely. —DJD
He is rich who is satisfied with what God has given.