The Race We’re Truly Running: It’s Not For Riches, But For Rest

By Ace McKay

July 28, 2025

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV)

It’s a verse that resonates deeply, isn’t it? The imagery of a race, the striving, the singular focus on a prize. We live in a world that constantly tells us what that prize should be: more money, bigger houses, faster cars, an ever-increasing net worth. We’re conditioned to believe that the finish line of financial abundance is where true happiness lies.

But what if the race we’re actually running, the prize we truly desire, isn’t what we’ve been told?

Think about it for a moment. When you imagine the ideal life, what comes to mind? Is it simply a mountain of cash, or is it something more profound?

I’ve had countless conversations, witnessed countless lives, and time and again, one truth emerges: what people truly prize, deep down in their souls, is not money, but peace.

Consider these scenarios:

• The executive who has all the financial success one could dream of, yet sleeps only a few hours a night, consumed by anxiety and stress. What does he crave? Not more money, but a moment of genuine tranquility.

• The family struggling to make ends meet, yet they share laughter, support, and a profound sense of connection. While money would certainly ease their burdens, their greatest treasure is the harmony within their home.

• The person battling a serious illness. Do they yearn for more zeroes in their bank account, or for the quiet assurance of healing, the serenity of a day without pain, the peace of mind that comes with good health?

Money is a tool, a resource, and undoubtedly important for navigating life. But it is rarely, if ever, the ultimate destination. It can buy comfort, convenience, and opportunities, but it cannot inherently purchase true peace. In fact, the relentless pursuit of money can often be the very thing that steals our peace.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24, isn’t telling us to run a race for fleeting material possessions. He’s speaking of a prize of eternal significance, a life lived with purpose and ultimately, with the deep, abiding peace that comes from aligning ourselves with something greater than ourselves.

Perhaps the race we are called to run is not to accumulate wealth, but to cultivate a life rich in inner calm, meaningful relationships, purpose-driven work, and spiritual well-being. These are the true currencies of a peaceful existence.

So, as you go about your week, ask yourself: What prize am I truly running for? Am I chasing after something that promises much but delivers little beyond temporary satisfaction? Or am I orienting my life towards the profound and lasting peace that truly satisfies the soul?

The prize of peace is within reach, not at the end of a financial rainbow, but in the intentional choices we make each day to prioritize what truly matters.