Out With the Old, In With the New

The stigma of any previous generation is for its members to suppose that the way they “do” life, or politics, or relationships, or morals is the best way of living out their lives. They believe their methods are “tried and true – tested by time.” There are also those who say they are on “the cutting edge” of new revelations and discoveries. They make statements that deem the contributions of the past as “archaic” or “out-of-touch” with what’s going on currently in the world. “Out with the old, in with the new” may be a convenient saying, but is it wise?

Either mindset, when held exclusively, really cripples the whole concept of what it means to truly learn. Learning is the crowning, God-given, relation-building characteristic of humanity! Real learning does not repudiate or belittle past knowledge or practice, but rather honors and recognizes the value of what has already been discovered and has successfully served past generations well. Disregarding the past smacks of an arrogant pride that considers “new” as the only authority, and fails to realize what is owed to the pioneers of the past. Likewise, to remain “stuck in the past” misses the predominate goal of learning, which is used to facilitate change. The beneficial advancements of our world have come about due to new knowledge built on the foundation of old knowledge, thus fueling improvement. Often the struggles we face as a society stem from our tendency to reject the solid moorings of time-tested values, thus casting off into the unknown waters of “new” experience. When will we ever really learn?

The life and teachings of Jesus stand as a beacon that clearly reveals the dangers of ignoring the wisdom and instruction of God. His example points us toward the path of learning to live in the undiscovered country of personal and corporate change orchestrated by the Holy Spirit living in us! The disciplines of following Jesus, which He clearly lived out for us as He walked among men, are to be anchored securely in the things that God has said and taught from the beginning. Knowing and practicing His Word – the Bible – produces a consistency of attitude and action that prepares us for the necessary growth and change needed to equip us to live effectively and righteously in today’s world.

To truly be His disciples means we are always learning to follow Jesus!

How exciting to be His people,

Pastor David Vanderpool