iServe- Lesson 2: “Delete and Download”
Question: What would a person need to do if he/she wanted to turn an old, busted, out-of-date PC that ran Windows 95 into an elite, super-fast, computer that was capable of running all the new games and programs today?
Most of us may not know exactly what to do in order to accomplish this extraordinary feat, but we know it involves deleting/removing old stuff and replacing it with new. Actually, if one wanted to turn an old computer into a new computer like the one above, they would have to remove/delete almost all of the old computer’s hardware/software, and then purchase and install/download newer, more advanced, technology in replacement of the old. For, unless this is done, the computer will be forever outdated, never being able to run all the new games and programs the person longs to enjoy.
This illustration enforces a spiritual principle I want to share today perfectly, for if we want to become a good servant of Jesus, we must delete/remove the old and replace/download the new! Yes, we have to learn how to let go of the old life we lived before we came to Christ and learn how to live the new and pure life Christ has purchased for us (Col. 3:1, 4-14). However, this is where most people “slip off the road,” for some sins, world views, habits, addictions, mind sets, and beliefs are difficult to let go of and stop completely (Eph. 4:17-24). Sometimes, when things get rough and bumpy, we go right back to the sinful thing that Christ disconnected us from in the first place, just because it’s comfortable and familiar. This is like what Israel did with Egypt in the wilderness (Ex. 16:3). Other times we just flat out give in to our sinful desires because we want what we want, when we want it. Nevertheless, own selfish and sinful desires are not the only things we have to battle (1 Pet. 1:14). No, we have to watch out for Satan’s deceptive ways as well (1 Pet. 5:8). Yes, Satan is a mighty and dangerous enemy who is a master at deception and trickery. The Bible describes him as a hungry and cunning lion who is seeking someone to devour. No wonder Peter told us be watchful and alert at all times. Nevertheless, while we do have multiple things working against us trying to lead us to serve any master other than God, we do have a powerful Ally in our corner, and that is, God Himself (Heb. 13:3).
Yes, God is with us in many ways by helping, empowering, and encouraging us to continue our service to Him. Not only does He give us His word to help mature us, guide us, and equip us (Eph. 6:10-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17), but He has given us His Spirit to empower and comfort us (Rom. 8:11, 26; 2Pet. 1:3), as well as precious promises that give us hope during the times of trial and distress (Eph. 1:3-11; 1 Pet. 1:3-5). However, it is up to us to take advantage of them and use them. We can use/download the new tools and knowledge God has given us and become a good, free, and happy, servant who is faithful and true only to the Lord Jesus, or we can ignore God’s warnings (Matt. 6:24; 1 John 2:15-17), spurn His blessings, and go throughout life living like we did before we came to Christ, selfishly for personal pleasure. And thus, only serve God when it is to our advantage, miserable and stressed to the very end (Heb. 10: 26-31; 2 Pet. 1: 5-9).
So from now on, let’s remember, especially when we find ourselves living selfishly for personal gain/pleasure that it is impossible to run new software on an out-of-date system. That means it is impossible to serve the new Master and live like you did under the old task master. We can do this when we allow God to strengthen us, His word to mature us, His Spirit to empower us, and His promises to inspire us.
Please, Lord, let us be willing to delete and remove the bad, and download and do the good!
A Hint With Clint 