JCPenney, a bellwether of department stores, recently changed its marketing strategy by eliminating coupons and the need for expensive advertising of “special sales events” hoping to improve their bottom line. The good idea, set the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month as days of extra good buys. the strategy suggests that “Sale Day” would be a thing of the past. But, the good idea unexpectedly whacked off one key success factor that shoppers loved and JCPenney neglected to recognize: the power of the thrill of the hunt!
I think for most “shopping sharks”, the thrill of the hunt is one of the biggest reasons for being out on the prowl. The thrill of the hunt is finding that super deal that others missed and I was smart enough, quick enough and blessed enough to find! Is that true for you?
With the thrill gone, shoppers have gone elsewhere to get some satisfaction! With them went their wallets and Penney’s experienced a corporate financial loss for the quarter. What changes are coming?
I wonder how “shopping shark” thinking and behavior is indicative of the way many of us pursue our spiritual life?
Where are they, those spiritual sharks? Those hungry for the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of heavenly grandeur on display; those surprised by the find and those who most desire the real, authentic and genuine, where are they?
Have spiritual sharks died off? Have they found programs and lifeless presentations have become so common that the real thrill of His Glory has been lost? I’m certain that the church and leadership have tried hard to compete for the hearts of spiritual shoppers. But I feel many spiritual sharks have found “no blood in the water”. The scent of heaven’s glory is not released. Lower expectations for their spiritual longings has brought near extinction. They have left the building on the hunt for something that satisfies.
The church would do well to learn from JCPenney’s experience. As a leader, I want to be certain we don’t eliminate the most vital part of spiritual business. That being the very presence of God. The thrill of the Ultimate Find as Philip told Nathaniel (John 1:45). “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote…”
In difficult financial times, we choose to cut the extras and non-essentials. We accept austerity by eliminating some things we could really do without. Very wise! However, the powerful presence and glory of God is not an extra. It is an essential! Our spiritual health depends on regular encounters with the Holy God.
The reality is not that we found Him, but that He found us. Welcome Him in. Celebrate His love.
I want to live (and lead) like that!
durable424 