Gospel Reflections #52: It is NOT an Automatic Renewal

Matthew 9:16 "No one takes a piece of cloth from a freshly woven cloth and puts a seam on an old garment. For the new rags tear the garment, and the tear is worse."

Jesus used this example to illustrate the incompatibility of the gospel, which is new, with the observance of old thought patterns and traditions.

When we receive a new heart in Jesus, we don't just push an automatic button of change and trash out our old thought patterns and traditions. We have to face the reality of the clingy old values, experiences, and efforts we have cultivated and treasured and in them we are used to justifying ourselves.

The gospel of Jesus is the opposite of the values of this world. It is fresh and inspiring when we learn it and embrace it, but often despite having the Gospel, we are taken back to our old self in our hearts and we are back to our old self for some time again.

We often say to ourselves, "This is something I cannot control. When I am made aware of it, I have no choice but to take it to Jesus." From this, we expect, we can choose the new gospel from the strength of our own free will. Sadly, NO, this is not the real case, we cannot even have the strength to go to Jesus. No matter how ideal this can be, it is truly so hard to fight back with our old self. We needed an outside power more powerful than ourselves.

That is why Jesus is always there to respond to our SOS. By just always looking up to Jesus, the new gospel in our hearts will slowly take root and grow and the old self will be cast out. The Gospel seed grows, it is slow, it is quiet, and it feels many times that it is not taking root, however, surely the Holy Spirit is doing great work!

The replacement in our hearts is not an automatic renewal, it is a little introduction of new Gospel thoughts every day until it becomes a familiar occupant of the mind that can be now applied each time.

However, even if we forget, the Holy Spirit will remind us and Jesus will be waiting with open arms. Let Jesus replace us before we break. However, even if we break, Jesus is always standing by. Because Jesus sees us as irreplaceable! He will always be ready to make the repairs and make us new again.

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This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, a devoted student of the Bible who passionately embraces the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on the Gospels as a way to reach out to others and spread the message of Jesus. We're sharing her message here so that you too can experience the joy that comes from the Gospel that has filled her heart.