Out with the old, in with the new!
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 16 May 2010 in From Steve's Study ::
One of the classic advertising ploys used over the years is the idea of “New for Old replacement”. You know how it goes… bring in your old vacuum cleaner & we’ll give you a brand new one (once you’ve paid the difference of course!).
Today’s passage also speaks of a “new for old” replacement, but this time it is our lives. Paul tells us that we have all been “united with Christ in his death” (Rom 6:5), with the result that our old way of life has been put to death with him.
The Christian is literally “born again” when they put their trust in Jesus and accept his forgiveness. The process of repentance entails a “turning away” from our old way of life to a new one.
And so, Paul challenges us to continually put our old way of life to death. We all have attitudes and behaviours that we know are not befitting of those who love and follow Jesus. It is these that Paul is calling us to get rid of – whether it’s pride or greed, lust or laziness – all of these must go!
Instead, we are called to start a new life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self control (Gal 5:22,3). This is the life Jesus led and he now wants us to follow in his footsteps. This is the kind of life we were always meant to live – a life that fulfils our destiny and brings with it hope, purpose, meaning & eventually eternal life.
There’s a deal for you! New for old replacement with an eternal lifetime guarantee! How could we say no?
« The Power of One Follow-up from Stephen Longu Night»
Commenting has expired or Comments are turned off for this article.
