John 3:3 Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
So, I just bought a new tablet. No, not for headaches, or first grade, or even Commandments. It’s just your modern day version of a computer. When I bought it, the sign in the store said that it was ready to upgrade to the next version of the operating system. Got it home, turned it on, and a little “pop-up” popped up (!) on the screen, asking did I want to upgrade. “Sure, why not?” And I punched the “Continue” button. Immediately, it went to a screen that said (basically) “Don’t touch anything! Wait here!” Then the screen began to flicker as new software was being downloaded, then after a few minutes, Boom! The screen went dark as the tablet turned itself off.
“Oh No!” I whimpered, “Whatever shall I do?” Or I would have, if I didn’t know that was supposed to happen. After a few seconds, the tablet began to glow again, the welcome screen came up, and then I was free!
Free to wait while software updates started up.
A few of them even had to ask permission, but eventually it was complete, and my new device was somehow even newer! Maybe even Improved!
If only there was something in my experience that compared to that! If only there was a concept that could help me grasp this complex modern world!
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal 2:20
My “Old Self" Operating System (OS OS Ha!) was corrupt, in desperate need of something - really, Someone - to make a real change. I needed an Upgrade that would overwrite the corrupt and dying Self with new life-giving information. And the old stuff had to die to make way for the New. In the language of Computers, we call that an upgrade. In the language of the Church, we call it “being Born Again". (This doesn’t mean “got it all together", or “all my struggles are over". It means I have access to God and He has access to me. Like anything new, it can be a challenge to work it out and become adept. But it’s worth it!)
Something worth noting about this software upgrading process. The new stuff has access to stuff the old stuff can’t even see. If that sounds familiar, see our starting Bible verse. If I want my new device to function in the modern software world, it has to be upgraded. Otherwise, it eventually becomes so outdated it is essentially useless. If I want my spirit to operate in the Eternal Heaven Wide Web, it needs an upgrade. Otherwise, my old self can’t operate at that level, in fact it can’t even see what it’s missing. Happily, this upgrade has already been paid for, all that’s necessary is to download and activate. Ready? Continue!
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
