Running in Circles and the Great Recession

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

(italics mine)

In September 2008 and the months to follow, many people watched their dreams and hopes for the future crumble right before their very eyes. 

Investments; home values; pensions; jobs; 401k's - things people worked so hard to attain - gone in the blink of an eye.  The countless hours of trying to "close a deal."  Or the countless years at a company, only to watch the company file for bankruptcy.  The stories are endless.  They are heartbreaking.

As a result marriages have been destroyed.  Relationships have been severed.  Countless are unemployed and hopeless in our country.

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, then you know that I believe with all my being that the God of the Universe has allowed these things to happen to warn us; to redirect us to what really matters in life.

The Bible says to, "Run in such a way to get a prize." (1 Cor. 9:24)

Have you been affected by the Great Recession?   If so, I'm sure you've had to restragegize your life, your finances, perhaps even your lifestyle.

Have you restrategized spiritually?  Are you living your life any differently?

I'm sure you've seen a hamster on a wheel?  It goes round and round getting plenty of exercise and even tired out.  The little guy must think he's accomplishing big things:   He gets his job back!  And the harder he runs, his portfolio and bank account increases!!  He may even get his life saving back!  (Talk about the studly hamster.  He may even get a girl hamster.)  But in reality, he's getting NO WHERE.  He's merely running in circles. 

So it is with our lives.  We can get our jobs back; our houses back; our investments back; our portfolio's back...  But in the end, we too are running in circles unless we are intentional about living lives that matter before God.

Are you running in circles?  Have you redirected spiritually following the Great Recession?

Tomorrow:  Living a Life that Counts -