Recently I ran across an old devotional poem I had saved from ‘Bless This Mess and Other Prayers” by Jo Carr and Imogene Sorley. I am beginning to preach a new series dealing with the real change (transformation) of a life that is truly in Christ as stated in II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”. Strangely those who profess to follow the greatest change agent in history (Jesus) often seem to be the ones who struggle most with change. I thought this old devotional prayer was worth sharing.
But Lord,I’ve always bought brown sugar in square boxes with brown letters on the box.
I saw the plastic bags of sugar in the grocery store yesterday. I could tell by looking that this was a better way. The strong air-tight bags would keep the sugar soft and usable.
But I’ve always brought brown sugar in boxes…but I reached for the box. Now, back at home, I wonder why.
Lord, why are we…why am I…so reluctant to change old ways? Some old ways are valid, but some need changing. And I cling to square boxes with unthinking tenacity, just because I’ve always bought square boxes.
That is not reason enough. Times have changed – and are changing so fast it makes my head swim. I am obligated to face my days intentionally! The container that brown sugar comes in is no great thing. But there are other, weightier matters that require rethinking – and perhaps revising. If I am going to live significantly, I must make my big decisions purposefully, intentionally, comprehensively.
“New occasions teach new duties; time makes ancient good uncouth. They must upward still, and onward, who would keep abreast of Truth.”
Forgive my square boxes.
Amen.
