Monday, October 3, 2011

New and Improved… or the Ancient Paths?

We live in a culture that values “new” and discards “old.” When it comes to technology, new usually is better! The new computers have quad-core with multi-threading that makes them function like they have 8 processors. When I bought my last computer 3 years ago, it had a dual-core processor, but that’s way out of date today!

New cars are quieter, more sleek, and have standard new features found only in luxury cars 10 year ago. Brenda’s digital camera quit working recently and I took it to Best Buy to see what it would take to fix it. It’s only 4 years old, and was a 5 MP camera. I was told that it would cost $35 to ship it off and have it looked at, and would probably cost more to repair it – if they even could. They said that I’d be better off buying a new one. After all, even the entry level cameras have 12 MP now, and the lenses and electronics are much better and give better results (at least that’s what they said!).

BUT… newer isn’t always better! Technology isn’t the only area that our culture markets “new and improved.” Advances in scientific research offers “new” answers to questions that leave God out of the equation. “New” moral freedoms offer liberation from the old teachings of the Bible on chastity and fidelity. The problem is, “new” philosophies haven’t produced satisfaction for the deepest longing in the hearts of humanity. Rather than love, joy, and peace, more people are dealing with depression than ever, and more relationships end in brokenness and pain.

What's the solution? I believe that it’s time to return to ancient wisdom from God, the source of all wisdom!
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” (Jeremiah 6:16)

Rest for your souls. That’s such an inviting phrase. And it sounds a lot like the statement that Jesus made: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

No comments:

Post a Comment