“And no one after drinking old wine, wants new, because he says, ‘The old is better.’ ”     Luke 5:39 HCSB

I will admit I am resistant to change. I want a CD player in my car and a real key to open the door and start it. I often long for the “good old days”. Are the old ways really better? Well, I think some are and some aren’t.

In this particular passage, Jesus is referring to old laws and traditions from the Old Testament.

In the Old Testament, people were required to bring animals for sacrificial offerings. Imagine having to walk an Ox to church or load up a trailer and bring a sheep or a goat to sacrifice on the altar. People were required to go to the priest to ask for forgiveness. The priest interceded for them.

Jesus is speaking of the new covenant. In the new covenant, Jesus has become the sacrifice for our sins. He is now our intercessor. We no longer have to load animals up, nor do we have to go through a priest to ask forgiveness for our sins.

I think often times, people are reluctant to totally surrender their lives to Christ because they are afraid of the changes it will bring about in their lives. Sometimes sin, even though it may cause heartache and pain, become comfortable. We tend to want to keep it around and we don’t see how we can let it go.

Maybe it is keeping a relationship going that is not healthy and does not honor God. Maybe it helps us financially and we don’t think we can make it without it. There are numerous reasons for wanting to hold on to sinful behaviors.

We must understand, however, that when we surrender our lives to Christ, it requires total surrender. We give our sin over to God. We trust in Him to help us to rid ourselves of is. We are told in 1 John 1:9 He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. This is required for us to be in Christ where we are made a new creation. We are transformed.

When we surrender to Christ, we are made new. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.”

We are told in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind so that we may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

It’s easy to become excited about building a new house or buying a new car, but we sometimes are reluctant when it comes to a life change like surrendering to Christ. I can tell you from personal experience, however, you will not be sorry. Giving up the bondage of sin for the peace and joy that a life in Christ gives us is well worth it.

When we surrender to Christ, we are works in progress. We should constantly be growing stronger and more mature in Christ. Surrender your life to Him. Let Him do the work in you and do the work He has called you to do.

This is one change you don’t want to resist. In this case our old ways are definitely not better.

Be transformed into the new creation Christ created you to be. Do the work He has called you to do. Enjoy the peace and joy He will give to you that is not dependent upon your circumstances. Trust in Him today.

A new life in Christ is way better than an old life without Him.

Have a great day!