New and Improved

I'm always skeptical when I see "new and improved" on a product that I always buy. Sometimes that improvement is a "new, sleeker design" which usually is a synonym for smaller package, less product and more money. And at other times that improvement is "20% percent more product for the same price". That one is debatable. And still other times the new improvement is actually something I benefit from. These are rare moments of sublime happiness for me.

Recently I stopped in Target for a few necessities. Lansinoh is a company that makes products for babies and nursing mothers. When I grabbed the box that I needed, I saw the "new and improved" sign emblazoned on the front of the package. "Oh great", I thought. I bet there are fewer items in here. Nope. Same amount. "Okay, I guess I'll have to wait to get home to find out how they're ripping me off". So when I arrived home to investigate, I was pleasantly surprised. They actually were improved! Softer, better designed and more efficient.

When we come to know Christ, we should have a sticker on our forehead that says "new and improved". If the king of creation abides inside of us we should be able to wear it proudly.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that we are new creations in Christ and that the old person is gone. We should make sure that we don't grow complacent. Always allow the Holy Spirit to continue to improve us from the inside out. We should also make sure that our improvements are not gimmicks. We should be genuinely crafting our lives in His image. Let all who meet us find a "pleasant surprise."