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October 6 – New And Improved

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16-8:7, Colossians 2:8-23, Psalm 78:1-31, Proverbs 24:26

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.
But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ Jeremiah 6:16

Observation: I just did a google search putting the words “new and improved” in quotes. In 0.41 seconds with a bad internet connection I had 91 million hits. I think that’s pretty amazing when you think that the statement is a logical contradiction. Is it new then how can it be improved? If it is improved then it can’t be new, its an improvement on something old(er).

I don’t have an IPhone 5. I don’t have an IPhone 4 (or 3, or 2…) From what I’ve heard 5 is pretty much the same thing as 4 but a little bigger, a little lighter, and more glitches. Sad thing is, more than half the US is still using a 3g network not a 4g. Infrastructure hasn’t even caught up with the last update yet but we’re all (at least 5 million of us on opening weekend) waiting with baited breath for the newest and the best. Even if its not.

Application: I am so glad that great men of the faith of yesterday like C S Lewis, Chesterton, Kierkegaard, Anselm, Aquinas, Augustine, and Origen have just as much to say today as they did when they first wrote. I am even more grateful that great apostles like Peter, and James, and John, and Paul have the same authority to speak into my life as when they wrote the bulk of our New Testament. I am grateful even more that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

We live in a now society that is obsessed with new. What was good enough yesterday isn’t good enough for today and tomorrow needs to have something better or we will be severely disappointed. As the pressure of this commercial society tries to force you into its way of thinking why not take a moment to slow down. Why not stop and reflect on this beautiful road the Lord has brought his bride, the Church? Lets stop and remember that timeless are the greatest things in life: family, friends, community, and the beautiful privilege of spending time with God. Why not make a renewed commitment to pursue after these things far more than those gimmicks that the world calls “new and improved”.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to slow down. Help me to put the rush and bustle and newness of the world around me on pause or at least on slow motion so I can truly be grateful for what you are giving me. Help me to understand the difference between my needs and my wants. Help me to surround myself with those who are further along this old journey of following You. Most of all, help me to pursue You first and foremost… and forever.