Newer
Isn’t Always Better
By Susan Klein
“Even from your own
number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples
after them. So be on your guard!”
Acts 20:30-31a
In
our world today, people and companies are always trying to improve on their
products or services. Cars that are more fuel efficient, computers that have
more power and memory, and mini-medical clinics at the mall are just a few
examples of the ever-improving society we live in. While the latest and
greatest are often in high demand, in some instances, newer isn’t better. Not
everything was meant to be improved upon, though many still try. One thing that
should remain unchangeable is God’s Holy Word. Proverbs 30:5 tells us that
“every word of God is flawless.” If flawless, how can it be improved upon?
The
early Church had to deal with this very issue. Paul had warned the Ephesian
Church that plenty of people would come along proclaiming a newer and better,
more relevant doctrine than the one Paul preached. People would come with
distorted truth, trying to win them over with their contemporary teachings just
to gain a following. But the Ephesians were wise; they didn’t fall for the
worldly gimmicks. And neither should we.
Jesus
instructs us to be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves as we are like sheep
among the wolves (Matthew 10:16). Unfortunately, not much has changed in the
last two thousand years. People proclaiming newer and better theology is a
still a problem today. You can always find someone who has discovered a “better
interpretation” or a “fresh new perspective,” often distorting the truth for
personal gain. We, too, must heed Paul’s warning.
In
the book of Revelation, we see Jesus commending the Ephesians for not running
after every new fad of teaching and for having the discernment to recognize the
truth. He acknowledges their hard work and perseverance. Unfortunately though, as He then points out,
they have forsaken their first love. They have been so busy doing their “good
works” that they have forgotten their love for their Savior.
Why
are we so easily tempted by the modern technologies and philosophies of our
day? In our pursuit of “newer and better,” have we forgotten our first love?
Ladies, don’t be fooled by all the hype, or by those who would distort the
truth. Cling to the tried and trusted teachings of old. Test every new claim
against God’s flawless Word. Remember, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and
forever. And that is a promise you can’t improve upon!
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
Are you clinging to the things you know to be true, or have you succumbed to
the lure of a passing fad?
2.
Is Jesus still your first love?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator
and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working
with inner-city youth.
