Mike’s Musings ….
It’s a Brand New Year!
Brand new things usually have a fresh smell, a gleam or shine that is bright and cheerful, and a “feel” that is unique to the reality of newness. Such is the delightful aura of 2025. Sure, challenges have already presented themselves, and yet we’ve thus far endured them via the ever-present love and protection of Almighty God. Just as with any tangible new item of value, we dare not let the challenges surrounding this new year damage its glory! Therefore, it’s up to us to retain the newness!
Depending on the item, the newness can be taken for granted. For example, a shovel won’t retain its shine and cleanliness after its first use. Shovels are designed for work, and while a sensible user will not abuse his new shovel, he usually doesn’t repaint it after every use! Still, with proper care, the shovel will retain its “newness” in its ability to serve its purpose for years. Vehicles are of the same ilk; we keep them clean and shiny, so they look new, but the wear and tear come to the surface after a few years. Want to talk about computers? The same!
The soul of man, however, is much different. According to the inspired apostle Paul, the soul must be renewed (made new again) daily! (2 Corinthians 4:16) Our obedience to the gospel of Christ made us a NEW CREATURE (Romans 6:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). Therefore, a Christian can (actually, MUST is the better understanding) remain NEW from the time of his spiritual birth to the time he dies in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). That “newness” is achieved by remembering every day to whom we belong (1 Corinthians 6:20) and we conduct our lives accordingly by walking in the light of God (1 John 1: 5 – 10). The “washing of water by the word,” described in Ephesians 5:22 – 33 as Christ cleanses His bride, the church is how we remain “new” in His sight, i.e., a glorious church having neither spot, blemish, nor any such thing.
I muse on the preciousness of new things; even those things under the sun that are new to us. (Even used things can be new to us, and we treasure their value.) But I muse most on the preciousness of the soul: the price Jesus paid to redeem it, and the willingness God the Father expresses to continue cleansing us so that we remain new in His sight. We must not defile that blessing by being haphazard with our words and deeds, as if God the Father and His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, as nothing more than “good ol’ boys.” We owe them more than we can repay, and via their love and our obedience, have been made something incredibly valuable to Him … and it should be to us as well!