Looks like new again...

I did something yesterday I never thought I’d do. Walked into my bedroom with my laptop computer in my hand and lightly tossed it onto my bed. I immediately stopped in my tracks. I couldn’t believe I did that.
Did it hurt my computer? No. Did it break any laws? No. But it caused me to realize something had gone terribly wrong within me.

I had allowed something else in my life to get ‘old.’ How does it happen? I know that some things get old because of age…but how do we let them lose significance or value to us?

(Discarded Tractor - Forest Hill, MD)

The clothes tossed on the floor…used to be given such care.

Our treasured items…now discarded and hardly spared a second look.
The relationships we cultivated…we now view as distractions.
When we first found new life in God…the excitement, the love for His word, our prayer life…

…but now?

When does it all become old and useless and many times tossed aside?
It comes down to one thing: familiarity. You become so accustomed to it being there, you fail to maintain your once-held high regard…until the deterioration your negligence has caused becomes apparent.

(Leaf at the bottom of stream - Rocks State Park)

Can the old be made new again? Revelation 21:5 says, “Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

We can bring back the new….but it all boils down to a few choices:
1. We must COMMIT.
Commit to what matters most and never waver. Whenever things get in your way, causing what is sacred to become common…you stand firm with your commitment.

2. We must LISTEN.
Talking to yourself is never a bad idea (except maybe in public J). Communication keeps things fresh and clear. Even more imperative, however, is closing our own mouths to listen. We always have such great arguments for our viewpoint. We’d rather talk instead of listen. But by silencing our tongue and opening our ears (and hearts), there’s a greater chance for resolution…keeping us mindful of what is important. 

(Great place to listen - Rocks State Park)

3. We must CONSECRATE.
Christ MUST be first. If He is not…nothing will be sacred. Without Christ, everything in life seems so ordinary, because if you are only living for this life alone and not for what is to come, what is there to look forward to? “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these ‘things’ will be added unto you.”

So, for…that old shirt
          …the Bible that you can’t find
          …the relationship that has lost its sweetness
          …the computer that faithfully turns on
          …that job that is now routine, simply paying the bills
          …the conversation you were planning to have with Him that                  keeps getting put off

(Max's handprint - Rocks State Park)

…instead of out with the old and in with the new - discarding what you already have - how about we make a choice today to submit ourselves to Christ afresh and new. Then when we wake up the next day, do it again. And again. And again….until we allow nothing else in our world to become common.