I wish Squid game wasn’t that gory and violent so that people of more ages could watch it. This show encapsulates the essence of the times we are living in right now. Other than having to deal with the nagging virus, we are also dealing with our mental health, wealth and purpose in life. This pandemic has hit the pause button and gave us time to reflect and ponder about what is going on in our lives.
This popular Netflix series has also forced us to think about our values and the way we perceive money. This begs the infamous question – does money make the world go round? And what can we learn from this Korean-inspired game? I know that this show is rather unbiblical in every way but it demonstrates some biblical principles.
1. The strong doesn’t always dominates.
I love the fact that Squid Game reveals the innate beliefs we have as humans. Doesn’t the strongest and the fittest of all survive in a game? It isn’t always the case in life and for Squid games too. In this horrifying game, we see both extremes – the young and old, men and women, highly-educated and not-so-highly educated ones. Our society favours the young and highly-educated ones but they often do not emerge as winners in the game.
During the tug-of-war game, the team with two women and an old folk won the game. In fact, we later come to know that Gi-Hun, a poor common man won the Squid game. The strong don’t always win in life. The last can emerge as the first.
“Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” – Matthew 19:30
2. Money doesn’t fill up the emptiness in our lives.
Like how II-Nam has put it in the show, the rich are bored and they just want to have fun so they created this game for those in debt to join. It’s clear that money can’t buy you happiness – not at least in the long run. What fills that emptiness in humans is our relationship with the heavenly Father. Time and time again, all these life experiences and stories point us towards God. With guidance from the Lord, you will know how to steward money and put it to good use for the benefit of all.
“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” – Luke 12:15
3. Wisdom is all you need in life.
Wisdom, not money, is what you need to excel in life. We can see how this was demonstrated when Gi-hun suddenly thought of a brilliant idea that helped him to win the Dalgona candy game. Il-Nam shared his game strategies with his team which allows them to win the tug-of-war game even though they do not have the strongest members in their own team.
“Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.” – Proverbs 8:10 – 11
4. Your life is worth so much more than money.
What’s really interesting about this Netflix series is the choice even to each participant. They have the choice to join back the game to win the gold pot of money but interestingly, most of them chose to join back the game knowing that they may ultimately lose their own precious lives. Do these people think that their lives are worthless so they would rather gamble their lives away and give themselves a shot in life?
God has sent His son to die for us because He loves us. You’re more precious than anything else in the eyes of our Father in Heaven,
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
5. There’s good in everyone.
Underneath all human evil intentions is a pure heart of gold. There’s good in each of us because the spirit lives in us. Even Gi-hun initially seems like a selfish father who only cares about winning the lottery, he showed kindness towards Il-Nam and to his team members. Even Hae-soo stole money from his clients, also showed a caring side of him in the show when he lend Anupam his phone to call and gave him some money.
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12.
I believe there’s so much more we can learn from this show. It’s no doubt a very thought-provoking TV series that explains where it is now the most viewed show on Netflix. I noticed that the art director of Squid Game, named Chae Kyung-sun, wears a Christ pendant on her neck during an interview too. And if you watched the show, you would have noticed that there are some references to Christianity. Coincidence?
You can read more about my soul talk articles where I share thoughts and opinions on issues that matter to us.
