Like Old, Like New

There is an old philosophical quandary that goes some thing like this: Say you had a ship, and over time, as you did your repairs, gradually removed part after part as they became worn, and replaced them. Then some inventive individual decided to go and gather all those discarded parts and pieced the ship back together. The question is then asked....which is the real ship? After all, the first never went away...yet, the other is made of every thing the first ever was.

In philosophical terms, this question has no correct answer; if indeed there can be an answer. Philosophy is more of a brain game that is designed to make us think; and while it brings up many ponderables, conundrums, and thinking outside the box, in large part I find it has no great purpose.

Yet, as is my wont, I puzzled over this question in spiritual terms. In many ways, I see 'us' as that ship. Both of them.

Indeed, scripture supports this. You began as something different than you are. Your nature was everything that set you apart from God, and through the years, piece by piece; you have replaced parts of yourself; until in the end...you are different than when you started. At least that is the goal. Yet, while you remain in this body, the parts of you, you have sought to change are all there. Able to be gathered and to rebuild again the man who is apart from God.

Romans 12:1-3 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

2 Cor: 3:18 "And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

I suppose I considered this subject, because it is easy to become lost in feeling that you are not where you ought to be. That you are not a part of God's plan, or that you've become bogged in life's struggles. But I would suggest that God's plan for you is not some; Flash! Bang! Look at the shiny new Christian!

No, we are not what we were, when we began. Yet, until the day God comes to claim us, we still carry around with us the ability to build again the person we have striven so hard to change. And so, Paul's encouragement becomes most important. Live as the person you want to be for God, not as what you are; and you cannot help but move towards God.

Because of Him,
Steve Emmons