I had this favorite shirt, I called my “first impression flannel”. It was part of my new self. It was so soft, warm, still quite cool, so I would wear it as much as I could. One day, a student in school even asked me: “Is there a day you are NOT wearing that shirt?” After a while the shirt shrunk because of to much washing and became old and shabby. I had to find a new first impression flannel. Sometimes, what seems very comforting and soft, can become too small, ragged, maybe even a bit stinky. It’s then time for a new favorite and a new self.
new self
God wants to do something similar with your life. When you have made a choice to follow Jesus, you have decided to live a life of not turning back. In order to put on all God has in store for us – new thought patterns, new habits, new beliefs, we need to be ready to put away the old, and put on the new, God-fashioned outfit:
Ephesians 4:21-24 (ESV) 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
In order for God to dress you in your new nature, you have to be willing to peel off the old rags and put on something different. It might not be as comfortable at first, and it will not be what you’re used to, but God has designed this special outfit to fashion you into how He sees you. Let us take off the old and put on the new.
As a church – renewed community
We had such a great team night last Friday! We looked a bit into the past, thank God for it, but also see into the future of the church. It was time to get your feedback about location, time, vision, to pray and sow into the future of our church.
As C3 Zürich, we will constantly look out for the new self, that God has in store for us.
Currently we are looking around for a new dress, a new location for our church as well. This doesn’t mean we are going to change right away, maybe we will also improve / enlarge our current room, but we are currently outgrowing our dress, and we want to be able to change, when it’s time. For a long time, we only did window-shopping, as either prices where not affordable, or churches were’t welcomed. Now possibilities are opening up on a longer term horizon and we are excited, and challenged to make wise, courageous decisions. Pray for us.
See you in church this Sunday, or during the week in connect group!
