Daily Worship

A New Creation

Jane Denniston March 29, 2022 0 1
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2 Corinthians 5: 16-17 (NRSVA)

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

I was once asked to describe my personality in three words. The three words that came to me were: creative, curious, restless. The restless bit somewhat surprised me at the time, but when I reflected upon it, I realised how true it was; indeed my husband once described me as a human ‘doing’ rather than a human being! I am restless. This may be because I am never satisfied, and that is not necessarily a good thing. However, it is because I am always seeking to improve, develop, grow, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. As Saint Augustine reminds us, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” The important thing is to ensure that the restlessness is focused on the right thing.

We are a new creation, and new creations do not stand still. They stretch, they expand, they flourish. Think of a baby growing and developing and discovering new skills and becoming frustrated when they cannot master them. Their whole being is pushing them to be restless with the status quo and to seek after the new. In the same way, as a new creation in Christ, we are restless, seeking to grow into him. We will continue to be restless, until we are finally at home with him, but until that day, may we continue to grow.

 

PRAYER:

 

Creator God

who created us for yourself,

and brought to birth in us

a new creation,

help us to seek you with all our heart.

Help us to strive,

and struggle,

and endeavour,

to grow into you.

Help us to look for you

where you may be found

and not be distracted

by the things of this world. Amen

Lent Disciplines

A Symbolic Action to do sometime this week that suits you. As a time of prayer hold your hands out in front of you. Look at your left hand and take a moment to hold the things that you are grateful for. Look at your right hand and take a moment to hold the things that concern you. Then bring your hands together, fingers interlaced, to bring it all before God.