Under New Management

It happens quite often… the proverbial promise of higher quality, better service, friendlier atmosphere… a change… for the better.

I have seen it most often hanging in the windows of restaurants or diners… banners that beg for you to come in and give it a try.

And with the sign comes the implied confession…

“The old management just wasn’t cutting it.”

But don’t worry, we are assured… the establishment is now “under new management.”  You will no doubt gladly pay the bill and tip the server handsomely after such a pleasant and fulfilling experience.

Or will you?

Are these just words… an empty promise to play on our appetite, or generosity… or has there really been a change?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

When we are in Christ, having accepted Him as our Personal Savior…  for He takes it personally when we accept Him… we are new.

But “under new management” means nothing if “being managed differently” is not part of the deal.

Fresh paint and some new booths do not a good meal make.

We need to not only receive Him as Savior, but we must serve Him as Lord.

We need to surrender our will to His will.  We need to let Him act through us.  And we need to do it not because we believe there is some benefit to us.

We can’t throw up the “I’m a Christian” sign if it is still us living and not Him.

When we do that… we do not bring Him honor… we take His name for our benefit and in doing so we take it in vain.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:” Matthew 7:21-23

More than anyone else… we know when we are just putting on a “Christian” show.  And we may be able to fool those around us.  But we can’t fool Him.

He is the Bread of Life.  We are meant to serve Him…

at His feet… and to others.

We are under new management… that means He is in charge… He is calling the shots…

We need to let Him.

He is the Bread of Life.  He prepares the feast.  We receive… and we give…

But in Him WE LIVE.

SDG