Who doesn't like new stuff?? Whether it's a new piece of clothing or a new gadget (or fly rod, reel, kayak or well..the list is endless for my husband) it's so fun to have something 'new.' Ironically, once you acquire that 'whatever it is' it automatically starts becoming, un-new. Might not be old yet, but it's headed in that direction and quite irreconcilably NOT in the other. I like bright, shiny things. Not a diamond girl (I know...just one of the MILLION reasons my husband is sooooo lucky!) but I love a bright, shiny object. Big, small, tangible or even a new shiny experience...I love it. The all encompassing feeling of newness is intoxicating. So much so, that as a culture we've completely taken consumerism to it's 'finest' places and demanded so much 'newness' for ourselves that we're likely stealing borrowed time. But that's another post.
What if there was a gift that we could obtain where that intoxicating 'newness' never had to fade? What if there was a 'thing' that we could have forever in our clutches but it never stopped feeling, smelling or existing as new? It never gets old. Not in wear, tear, no matter how much you use it, abuse it, neglect it or sleep with it...it stays perfectly 'new.' In fact, what if this gift starts making the other 'things' in your life feel, seem, smell newer too? What if just by it's existence in your ownership, all other things you have and acquire past and future, look brighter-shinier too?
I think there's a reason we as human-beings like new things. I think we were made for renewal. Made for the intoxicating refreshment that newness brings. Whether it's a new season or a new sweater, newness is knit into our very being. It is mine. And when my heart feels tattered-old-abused and just broken...I long for newness, renewal.
Jesus is that gift, that 'too-good-to-be-true' treasure. The newness we long for is actually a longing for God. We were made for Him. Made to exist in the presence of His Glory and in relationship with Him as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And since the beginning of creation, when all existed in perfect harmony-we were created by Him, for Him. We've come a very long way from that sweet time in the garden together before the Fall. So far, in fact, that we often can't see that this need, this longing within us isn't actually for a new sweater, new job or new countertops (dirty confession.) Even more disturbing is that most days we don't see a 'need' at all. I do a pretty decent job of things on my own. And when I don't...well, I try harder, right? Except when I'm tired, weary and have exhausted all my own strength. My need for newness is my inherent need for God...greater than even my need to breathe, do I need Him, long for Him.
There's always a 'but' right? But...sin. But, our own wayward desires and self-indulgences have taken us far from the place where 'all things are made new.' Enter Jesus. That sweet, shiny, perfect gift. A gift, not penance or an earned wage for a job well done....a gift. One that cost God everything, so that we could come back. Wipe the smudges and dirt from our eyes, our hearts, and allow Christ's bright, shiny life to bring us back into harmony with the One we truly yearn for.
I don't need more 'stuff.' I need more of Jesus and His sweet and perfect grace to infiltrate every inch of me. I need His newness to bring my sin-tattered, arrogant and self-reliant soul back to life with His very breath. I don't need a 'better' me...I need more Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment