REMIX: NEW SERIES AT ELEVATE

Remix (rē-ˈmiks), verb: To recombine existing elements creating a new or modified result.
When the word “remix” is used it is generally in reference to music, specifically when a variant of an original recording is made by rearranging or adding to the original. This trend became extremely popular in the late 80’s and early 90’s, when artists would take some of their recognizable music and give them a new beat, a fresh sound so that people who enjoyed some of their music, could experience some of their defining works in a new way.
I think a lot of us could use a remix in our spiritual life. I grew up in a very traditional church environment, where often man-made traditions became more of a focus than an actual relationship with Jesus and the things He told us were important. There is a need for a fresh approach that embraces who Jesus was, and how he met people and culture where they were. One of the mistakes and misconceptions of a new look at our Christian faith is that we have to throw everything away and start all over again. The truth is there are many staples of our faith that are solid and need to be held on to, but when we begin to become more attached to the way we have always done things than a passionate pursuit for intimacy with God, we have missed it. I am thankful for my upbringing, I found Jesus there, and learned much about his character and attributes, and have foundation that still mean the world to me. I believe that Jesus lived, died, and came back to life for more than getting me ingrained in a particular system.
Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Many of us have let our joy of life be stolen, and have either slipped into a dull relationship with Christ, which feels like following a list of rules, rather than this life to the fullest. One of the greatest things we can do in life is to give it a good remix. Taking some of the basic things that God gave us, such as His Word-the Bible, prayer, and worship and start looking for new ways to connect to a timeless unchanging God, who is passionately in love with us and is tirelessly pursuing us, is a great place to start. Remember, remixes are not a rejection of the old, but rather, a celebration of the old, in a way that give us a new appreciation for the original.