Last night Linda and I attended a memorial service for someone we’ve known since the mid-80’s, but haven’t had much contact with for 20 years.
As l listened to her husband, daughter, a friend, and the pastor all speak about her; I realized this wasn’t the same woman I knew years ago.
They spoke of laughter, a twinkle in the eye, and a great love for people.
The person I knew struggled with oppression and depression, which the pastor did mention.
I am so glad her life got better and her walk and dependence on God deepened.
It made me realize something about God’s word; it is written if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor 5:17
While I believe this, I also know it doesn’t seem to be instantaneous; it can be a slow process of change over time.
The new creation can be the forgiveness of sin and the desire to serve the Lord; but old habits and sins are so hard to break.
For many it’s more like restoring an old car; it just takes time to make a piece of junk into a classic beauty.
I’m reminded of the Joel Hemphill song He’s Still Working On Me.

He’s still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
‘Cause He’s still workin’ on me
There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don’t judge him yet, there’s an unfinished part
But I’ll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master’s loving hands

Like that previously mentioned classic car, it takes work to keep it looking good.
While the “new” part is important, the Bible has much to say about renewal.
Ps 51:10 – renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Isa 40:31 – those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;
Rom 12:2 – do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Eph 4:23 – be renewed in the spirit of your mind
It is a lifetime process of salvation and continual renewal in the strength of the Holy Spirit, through prayer, Bible study, and the fellowship with other Christians.
We live in such an instant society; instant messaging and texting, video on demand, fast food, self-checkout; the list goes on and on.
No one wants to wait for God; they want it all right now!
That just doesn’t always happen so I’ll end with this encouragement: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Cor 4:16