Is Brand New Leading You Astray?

14 Nov

Anyone who is so “progressive”
as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God;
whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.  (2 Jn 9)

We like things that are new.  We like new cars, new shows, new clothes, and new ideas.  They all have a certain appeal to them.

Some people, however, go way overboard when it comes to “new”.  They go so far as to reject anything that is not new.  If they have to pick between a new car or an old one, they take the new car.  If they are to pick between new clothes or old ones, they take the new clothes.  If they choose between new ideas or old ones, they will take the new.

Even if the new is not better.

What if they chose a new car over an “old” one that happens to be a true beauty?  A car that may have been restored and is worth much more than the new?  What if the new car were a lemon compared to the old and they only chose the new because it was “new”?  What value would there be in that?

The same holds with ideas.  Sometimes people jump on new ideas simply because they are new, even if is apparent that the new ideas can get them into real trouble.

New is not always better.

New might be distracting.  New might be dangerous.  New might be just plain ol’ wrong.

John warned the early Christian community, telling them that “new” ideas that take them away from the teachings of Christ are not good.  They are dangerous.  They can lead the community to ruin.

We must remain anchored to the teachings of Christ.  Anyone who tells us otherwise is looking to lead us astray.  Do not give them the time of day.  Hold firm to the faith!

FAITH ACTION:  Ask God to give you the gift of discernment so that you may choose what is right and good this day.