by Kala Loptien

The New Version

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

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

Technology and software updates are funny. They seem to happen more frequently. And have you noticed they’ve become progressively bossy? “Update NOW… or else” I snapped a screenshot of my most recent update “nudge” because it made me think about the versions of me throughout the years. I remembered Paul’s encouragement about the former self and being made new.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away;
the new has come. 2 Cor 5:17

We are in need of a serious update, or rather, an upgrade. But it isn’t self-fulfilling. It doesn’t come by way of success, “arriving,” or any sort of self-help program. The only help and only hope for our flawed, fallen selves is Jesus. We turn, He’s waiting. We seek, He knows. The Father draws us near and it’s there that we find comfort, rest and restoration by being reconciled to God. It’s more than just a makeover. It’s a complete overhaul — heart and soul. Jesus made it possible when He took all our sins (our old selves) and gave us new life in return. That doesn’t mean we don’t still struggle. There’s a constant tension when it comes to our thoughts, words and deeds. The amazing thing about His grace is He provides us with the infrastructure to continue fighting the good fight. The Bible, prayer, devotion time, church, community…all necessary for continued obedience and growth.

I pray that we smile a little the next time a software update or upgrade message confronts us. Maybe we’ll even pause for a moment to think about the old version… and thank God for being made new.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado