“Living the Rat Race”

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

In the preceding verse (Ecclesiastes 3:10) the Preacher exhorts us to give all our power to the endeavors of life, because the time is coming when all such labors will come to an end. But in the verse above Solomon is preparing us for possible failure in these pursuits. What is then is the meaning of this verse?

Is the Preacher telling us that all of life is just a gamble? Is he saying that we are just left to blind fate without any activity of God? Did God just wind up the clock and leave us to our own fate without his intervention and care? The answer is no!

The marvelous work of God is all over this great book. In chapter 3, we learn that men live under the times and the seasons appointed by God (3:1–11). Please note the number of times “God“ is referenced: “the work of God”; “the gift of God”,and “God has put eternity in our heart“. From these verses, we learn that God, not fate, is in control. We depend on God, and we must submit to God.

Just what is meant by our verse? First, the Preacher reminds us that God has given us a work to do (3:12, 13), and the hands to accomplish that good (9:10).  He has given us companions (4:9–12; 9:9) with which to share that good. In chapter 3 and 9 we see that it is God’s desire for us to work diligently and to enjoy the fruit of our labor. But be careful. Don’t forget what is of greater importance.

In the midst of our earthly pursuits God allows for there to be a dose of reality. The reality of death is there (3:20; 9:3).  And God allows for days of prosperity and adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:13,14). There are times, when the “race is not to the swift“. This inequity may be due to the interference of evil men, or to the intervening work of God. It is during these times that painful, but necessary lessons are learned, and we are reminded to keep the “rat race” of life in perspective.  

It is tempting to neglect our eternal goals and commitment to God to pursue earthly goals. However, human ability alone cannot guarantee success. The interest that we have in this world can be removed in a heartbeat. But, through Jesus Christ we can have the assurance and guarantee of an eternal life in his presence. 

By George Slover
 

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