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 We so easily assume that the old is outdated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. Scripture reminds us of the importance of the
new. Jesus
said, “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
Apostle Paul reminds us that when a person comes to Christ he or she is made
new –“Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come” (II Corinthians 5:17). He
also reminds us 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).
On
the other hand, the Scriptures are very 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).
We have entered the New Year so let’s make sure we “put off” or do away with only the
old that does harm. However, let’s also
make sure that we “put on” that which edifies and builds us, and others up.
