Old and New

How often have you heard the phrase “out with the old; in with the new”?  We so easily assume that the old is outdated and the new is much better.  For some things, that may be true.  For example, I would not want to bring back the old way of writing a letter – either by hand or with a typewriter.  The computer, with all its capabilities, will do just fine; thank you.  However, some old things are extremely valuable.  People expend time and energy and even lots of money to become the owner of a relic.

Regarding the new, Jesus reminds us, “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old” (Luke 5:36).  The Scriptures tell us that when a person puts his or her faith in Christ he or she becomes new.  It says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (II Corinthians 5:17).  We are also reminded to “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments are old but they are extremely valuable.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  About God’s Word, the psalmist said, “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.   By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

As we come to the end of the old year and enter the new, let’s make sure we “put off” or do away with only the old that does harm.  But let’s also make sure that we “put on” that which edifies and builds us, and others up.