After looking through Craigslist searching for the perfect newer items, it dawned on me when I saw quite a few older pieces painted to look new that I should try it myself. In doing so, I would be able to pick the color and choose my own material for seat cushions. I then began looking with a different perspective, came across some items, and thought to myself, "This piece has a lot of potential." In similar fashion, the apostle Paul touched on the subject of the old being made new. "And have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator." Colossians 3:10 The word renewed carries the meaning of renovation. In other words, you could say something that is old and used updated into something new and usable like a restored piece of furniture. Taking this thought a little further Paul also said, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come." 2 Cor 5:17 The word 'new' found in 2 Cor 5:17 adds the meaning of freshness. Referring back to restoring 'old' furniture, it is amazing what a fresh coat of paint and some new material has done to the tired old chairs I purchased. They spruced up rather nicely! You wouldn't be able to tell what they originally looked like, except from pictures taken previously. Paul was implying this very same thing about our old nature. Once the Holy Spirit enters our soul, we are fresh and renovated to something new as if the old never existed. The bottom line is this, if we treat our souls with utmost care and diligence, we can almost be sure that our lives will reflect the beauty of our divine Creator.
Practically Speaking: Maybe you have let yourself go like an old piece of furniture and ignored the need to be renewed in God's Word. Take the time to read 5 verses each day from Ephesians 5 for the next week. During this time, ask yourself what can I learn from these verses, ask the Lord to help reveal His desire for you, that you remain consistent, and then apply what you learn daily. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalms 139:23-24
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