Antidote to the Christmas Treadmill #1

Words to think about this Christmas from Rick Warren:

Most of us know that the key to the "best Christmas ever" is not buying more or doing more, the problem is--we just don't know how to get off the treadmill. How do you stay focused on the things that are important and get un-focused from the things of little significance?

I believe you answer that question by applying a purpose-driven approach to Christmas - balancing your holiday around the five biblical purposes of fellowship, character growth, service, missions and worship. God created you to live with this balance and that's why, when you're out of balance, you begin to feel stress.

Let me put it this way: To maintain your physical health, you need regular check-ups with a doctor who can assess your vital signs - blood pressure, temperature, weight, and so on. For your spiritual health, particularly during the hectic holiday season, you need to check the five vital signs of fellowship, character, service, missions and worship. The ancient writer, Jeremiah, once advised, "Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under God." (Lamentations 3:40, The Message)

You can read Rick's full article, which tells us how to check each of the vital signs, at PurposeDrivenLife.com