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Updated Oct 29, 2009

"Everything New"

Everyone enjoys new things - a new car, a new computer, a new toy. There is an excitement around owning something new. In fact, marketers have found some innovative ways to exploit this innate desire within us. They have discovered that one of the best ways to sell a product is to add the words “new and improved” on the box. The only thing that may be new and improved is the box, but we believe the product is better, so we buy it.

How many times have you thought, “If I could just have this” or “If I could just buy that.” Yet most of the time when we get it, it doesn’t satisfy - at least not for very long. Happiness never comes through things. The amount of joy in life is more of a matter of choosing to be happy no matter who we are or what we have.

The problem with new things is that they get old way too fast. The joy we had about that new wonderful cell phone or pair of jeans wears off quickly as we begin to think about the next thing. Have you observed a child with their new toy after Christmas? With each passing day, their excitement for it diminishes to the point where it rarely comes out of the closet after a few weeks.

This is not so in our life with Jesus. The apostle Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) When we have Jesus in our life, we have become totally new. And included with this newness, our perspective on everything is new as well. Instead of keeping up with the Joneses, we find a growing appreciation and contentment in life for who we are and what we have. What an incredible blessing not to have to rush out every time there is something new on the market that, in the end, we don't really need!

As we approach the end of the year, let's begin to reflect on the future possibilities God gives us through His Son, Jesus Christ. As you wake up each day, remember that all things are new as you invite Jesus to take possession of your heart. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, Jesus will change your mind and give you a new perspective on all the things that come your way that day. By faith, claim the promise that "all things have become new", especially as you look forward to the heavenly kingdom Jesus has prepared for those who love Him and have been transformed by His mighty power.

Pastor John Stanton