Old dog, new tricks?

There’s an old saying that says “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” – and for many things in life, that’s probably true.

In my feeble attempts on the soccer field, I often see players doing things that I would like to try. However, with my old knees and extra padding, it does mean some of those ‘tricks’ ain’t gonna happen for this old dog anymore!!

However, when it comes to our walk with the Lord, I think we can reverse this saying in the affirmative.

“You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!”

In fact, we are never too old to learn more about our great God. Even those common Biblical passages we know so well, new life and insight can be discovered. It’s not so much that there is a new interpretation, but the relevance and application can deepen or change for us.

Daniel tells us that God “reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.” (Dan 2:22). The Apostle Paul also tells us that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9-10).

God reveals things to us through the Spirit. Through His word our minds are renewed and challenged (Rom 12:1-2). God is actively growing us to be more Christlike.

It begs the question.

Can intellect or age or mindset stop what God has ordained for us?

Certainly not. Whilst we might struggle with things at times, that’s OK. It’s less about us, and all to do with what Christ secured on the cross.

It’s not what we are doing, or not doing, that really matters – it’s what Christ has done.

My ‘doing’ rests solely on what Christ has ‘done’ – and nothing more.

In light of Christ’s completed, redeeming work on the cross, I guess, this old dog can still learn a few more tricks yet!