“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:10

“Beep, beep, beep…. URRRRRR… BANG.. GONE!” That was the sound I heard at 5:50 this morning. I knew what it was… and smiled. In the darkness, and with a light rain falling to create miserable conditions, the Waste Management guy was hauling away my junk! I was delighted!

I knew what he was doing, even though I never got out of bed. Yesterday I had asked my friend and neighbor to help me haul out a big couch and a loveseat to the curb. I had called the County and scheduled the pickup, but it was MY job to set the stuff out there! Those 2 items have been in this same house for 30 years! Katie FINALLY found a new set she likes. So… out with the old!

It took us YEARS to finally find something that she liked. It took and hour for me to get the stuff together, and with Rick’s help, out the door to the curb. It took the Waste Management guy about 3 minutes to hoist it up, up and away! Now it is gone FOREVER! I still have another couch and loveseat (both 32 years old) to get rid of before the new one arrives. But that’s next week!

The furniture was loved and well used for a LONG time. It’s still in usable condition! I never found a more comfortable couch in my life! The new one coming may not even be better! But comfort isn’t the golden rule when it comes to living room furniture. Setting out by the road, Katie said, “WOW we look like bums! Those were NASTY!” She was right. It was time for ‘New!”

I like my old way of life! It’s comfortable, well worn and suits me. I have my own hurts, habits, and hangups and I’m used to them. But many are no more than dirty, nasty, junk! Jesus tells me so. There are times when He says…. “that one’s GOT to go!” Sometimes I readily agree. Other times I argue for comfort. But the verse today tells me that Jesus isn’t in the recovering business!

Jesus lived to die so I could die to live! Think about that! He offers me BRAND NEW and BEAUTIFUL in EVERY area of my life! The crazy part is, time ticks away and there are STILL some old sofas lying around my life that are just too comfortable for me to take Him seriously. BUT… one day will be TOTAL TRASH DAY… and He’ll come and get rid of it… in the twinkling of an eye!

What soft sofas are YOU holding onto in your life? DO YOU need help in getting it to the curb? That is what the Church is for!