Monday, July 19, 2010
Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.
NEW AND IMPROVED
"New and Improved!" That's a popular advertising slogan. It must work because companies keep on using it. Most of us like new things. We enjoy breathing in that "new car smell." They even make air fresheners in that scent. We like to turn on a new TV, or wear new clothes, or try out a newer, faster computer. Some delight in restoring an old car, or remodeling a house and bringing improvement. Even if we're perfectly content with what we have, throw something new at us and we're at least willing to take a look.
If only we were geared that way spiritually. When it comes to our spiritual lives we, by nature, want nothing but old. We want what is comfortable to us, even if it stinks like an old, yet comfortable, pair of shoes. Jesus bought us back from sin. He has truly made us new. He shows us the value of a new life with Him, and of a new man within us. Yet all too many times we convince ourselves that it is not better with Christ. The devil deceives us to think that our sinful nature and our old life without Jesus is really and truly better.
The Holy Spirit leads us to fight against such a destructive way of thinking. While we could debate back and forth about whether it's better to have new or old material possessions, the Lord clearly shows that what He brings to our souls is truly better. He brings to us a new life and a new man that are far superior to the old man (sinful nature) that is original with us. The new man is superior in his actions here on this earth, and will last even after the old man is gone for good.
