The Old Sweatshirt

Today I’m wearing a new sweater, given to me by my children.  And, yes it feels nice to be wearing something new.  But, like most guys, I’ve got my favorite old sweatshirt that probably ought to be thrown away.  Whenever I can, I tend to choose it over the new ones. Why?  Because, it is so comfortable—much too comfortable to throw away.  In spite of enjoying the new sweaters and sweatshirts I get, I really love putting on that old sweatshirt.     

It seems that our culture tends towards the new. We gravitate towards the newest music, technology, and fashion trends. We want to see the newest movie, read the newest book, and get to that new restaurant in town.  We also seem to quickly buy into the newest philosophies and religious thought to seep into the classrooms or hit the street.  Even in the church, we seem to always be looking for something new—a new form of worship, a new song to sing, a new way of preaching, etc.   

Yet, we have to admit that new is not always better.  There’s something to be said about putting on that old sweater, playing that old song, or watching that old movie.  When it comes to philosophy and religion, there’s something to be said about not moving too quickly to the new.  Sometimes it is pieces of our past that give us a sense of stability.  More importantly, there are often parts of the past that contain truths that we ought not, must not, abandon lest we be left with that which is not only new, but also false.   

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”  (Jeremiah 6:16 – NIV)

Jeremiah’s point was that God had spoken in the past, showing his people the way to live that they might experience his blessing upon their lives.  Yet, like us they tended to look for something new—maybe something that seemed to them a bit more innovative and exciting.  But, God calls them back to the old, to the “ancient paths.”

As you step into a new year, please enjoy all the new things that God brings your way.  At the same time, however, don’t neglect the “ancient paths” that find their root in the One who is called the “Ancient of Days”—the God who never changes.  It is only in him and in his ways, as old as they might be, that we will find “rest for (our) souls.”

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris