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Out with the old, in with the new!

12/28/2017

I got some news clothes for Christmas.

However, I love my old clothes. I’m comfortable with them and in them. I have favorite pieces of clothing I’ve worn for decades. (See above)

The truth is I look better in the new clothes. As painful as it is, it is time for me to get rid of some of the old clothes and start wearing the new clothes.

The Bible has some similar advice when it comes to our spiritual lives.

22 …put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)

In addition to wearing my new clothes, I’ve decided to make a few changes in my routines and habits in 2018. I’ve already deleted the Euchre game from my phone and started replacing the time I spent on it on a Bible app! Not a big deal, but for me it was hard giving up my game time. It already is making a positive difference in my nighttime routine and the New Year isn’t even here yet!

Is there something you need to “put off” in 2018 so you can “put on” something new that is better for you and for following Jesus?

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A thought about “keeping Christ in Christmas.”

12/21/2017

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One of the central Bible verses at Christmas time is Luke 2:7:

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NKJV)

The hectic events in Bethlehem left them with no room for the baby Jesus in the inn.

A phrase we often hear this time of the year is, “We need to keep the ‘Christ’ in ‘Christmas.’” It is a reminder (often to non-believers) that this Jesus is the reason for the season. I wonder, as disciples of Jesus, if it isn’t even more important to make all the room we can for Christ in our churches, our families, and especially, ourselves.

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Compassion or judgment?

12/1/2017

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I shared this picture in a blog a couple of weeks ago. When I first saw the picture I responded with a mixture of admiration and laughter.

Then I wondered, if I was pedaling this load up a hill, how would I feel if someone:

-Laughed at me?
-Yelled at me to get off the road?

But what if they:

-Encouraged me?
-Helped push me?
-Said they’d run and get a truck for me?

I’m afraid people are as likely to mock and judge those carrying heavy loads as to have compassion for them.

The picture brought to mind a quote I love: “Be kind. Everyone you meet is carrying a heavy burden.”
Rev. John Watson

As disciples of Jesus, let’s avoid being like the religious experts Jesus referred to in Matthew 23:4. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn’t think of lifting a finger to help. (The Message)

This holiday Season let’s put the “Christ” back into Christmas by sharing His compassion with people rather than judging others.

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Out with the old, in with the new!

A thought about “keeping Christ in Christmas.”

Compassion or judgment?

Jeff Stueve

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