3 Essential Questions to Escape the Treadmill of Life
Are you stuck on life’s treadmill—moving and succeeding without meaningful progress? Many people feel this way in critical areas like work, self-care, finances, family and friendships, and even faith. Clarity about where you are is essential to setting a purposeful path forward.
This blog explores practical steps and three guiding questions to help you escape the treadmill and live a life of purpose in every area. The easy steps, which include biblical insights, aim to provide clarity and direction.
Why Knowing Your Current Position Matters
Imagine navigating with a map without knowing where you are—it’s easy to get lost, right? Have you noticed that your car's or phone's navigation system is only effective if it can first determine where you are? Setting a course for progress and growth is nearly impossible without clarity around your current position. Proverbs 27:23-24 underscores this importance: “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”
Take an honest look at where you are in faith, fellowship & finances, family & friendships, and field of work to lay the groundwork for intentional growth.
1. Faith: Your Relationship with God
Arguably, statistics demonstrate that faith should form the foundation of your life. Are you actively pursuing a relationship with God, or has it grown distant? True spiritual growth comes from engaging consistently with God through prayer and study. It does have to be hours; five or ten minutes in the morning is a good start. Colossians 3:23 reminds us to center our lives around God: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
2. Fellowship & Finances: Stewardship of Relationships and Resources
Are you nurturing meaningful relationships and managing finances wisely? Do your financial choices reflect God’s principles, or do societal pressures influence them? Philippians 4:19 assures us, "God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory.” Building supportive connections and responsibly handling finances aligns you with God’s will. God only gives you what you can manage; if you are a good manager, you will have an abundance.
3. Family & Friends: Building Strong Relationships
Family and friendships are vital for personal growth and help mature one’s value system. Are these relationships healthy and fulfilling, or do they drain you? Proverbs 17:17 speaks to the value of supportive relationships: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Invest in relationships that encourage growth and align with God’s purpose for you.
4. Field of Work: Finding Purpose in Your Vocation
Work should be more than just a job—it’s part of your calling. Do you find meaning in work, or are you simply going through the motions? Romans 12:6-8 reminds us that we each have unique gifts: “If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach.” Embrace your work as an opportunity to serve others and fulfill God’s plan.
Three Key Questions to Guide Your Growth
Many remain on life’s treadmill because they haven’t answered these core questions:
- Why am I doing what I’m doing? Connect with your purpose. When aligned with God’s will, every action gains significance. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Who am I doing this for? We are ultimately here to serve God. Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
- Why am I doing it for this person? Love for God should fuel all we do. Matthew 22:37-38 teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
The Call and the Caller
Answering these questions deepens our understanding of God’s call in our lives. Reflect on the following:
Who is the Caller? God created and called each of us uniquely. Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
What is the Call? Each person has a distinct purpose. Romans 12:6-8 encourages us to use our gifts to serve.
Desired Intimacy of the Caller: God desires closeness. John 15:15 says, “I have called you friends.”
Practical Steps to Stay on Course
- Reflect Regularly: Assess your progress in faith, fellowship & finances, family & friends, and work.
- Set Faith-Based Goals: Align your goals with God’s principles.
- Build a Support System: Connect with those who uplift you.
- Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s wisdom to stay aligned with His purpose.
Conclusion: Step Off the Treadmill
Discovering where you are and aligning your actions with God’s purpose brings clarity and peace. Proverbs 16:3 encourages, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Start today by reconnecting with God and asking these vital questions. Embrace His direction, and let every step be purposeful. Tune in for the next blog on how to discover where you are so you can get off the treadmill of life.