Putting Aside the Old

Much of the Book of Hebrews offers an explanation of how the old covenant of God differs from the new covenant. In chapter 8 we read that Jesus, "has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises." (v. 6) In the Old Testament, there was an old way of doing things, then Jesus arrived, offering the new and better Way of life and living.

It is wise to be open to times of change. When we remain stuck in old habits, refusing to budge from our attitudes and ideas without considering different viewpoints, we are in danger of becoming less happy, rather than more so. Stubbornness merely for the sake of being stubborn is a very limiting way to live.

For example, we don't have to look far to see where obstinance has gotten our country. By refusing to work together, elected officials are not leading us, they are dividing us, breeding discontent, mistrust and a more resilient strain of stubbornness than ever seen before. Sadly, we can see that dogged determination to hold the line against change in many institutions and organizations, perhaps churches most of all.

What is the antidote? I can think of several things: a willingness to listen to others and compromise on issues where our core principles are not being violated; an openness which admits we might not agree on every issue, but we can still peacefully co-exist; and acknowledging that some ways of thinking and doing things are becoming obsolete, and it is time to let those things go and move forward. Going back to the Book of Hebrews, 8:13 says, "When He said, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."

It is important for all of us to examine our opinions from time to time and think about how things could be better if we would let go of worn-out ideas. Under careful consideration, things which previously seemed significant might fade away into obscurity. It is a good path to take to discover new ways of working together. By doing so, positive change can happen.