New and Unimproved

We live in a culture addicted to the new. Past wisdom that has proven true for centuries somehow seems irrelevant for present times. 

At the root of it is an arrogance that we are smarter than those who have come before us. After all, we have immediate access to everything in the world. How hard can it be? Theologian J. I. Packer describes this toxic mindset well: “The newer is the truer, only what is recent is decent, every shift of ground is a step forward, and every latest word must be hailed as the last word on the subject.”

It reminds me of the time I was trying to share insights about life with my sixteen year old son. He listened for a moment and then said, “Dad, I really appreciate it. But things are different now. And besides, I already know all that you have to offer. Anything I need from here I can just Google.” Years later, we still laugh about the conversation—though he claims no recollection of it. It sticks with me because I can fall into the same trap with my Father.

Rather than be enamored with the shiny and the shallow, let’s pursue the depths of God’s timeless wisdom and wonder in all of life. Including our creative offerings. Because newer isn’t truer.

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