Trading Up

Several years ago, I traded in the camera body I’d used for many years for a much newer model. Compared to my old camera, this later, greater Nikon has better resolution, a larger LCD screen, improved focusing for close-up subjects, and more bells and whistles than I’ll ever use.

Below are several favorite photographs taken with my upgraded camera:

Dallas Jenkins is the creator and director of “The CHOSEN” series about the life of Christ and how Jesus went about choosing his disciples. In reflecting on Season 2, Dallas and his wife Amanda wrote, “Jesus invites us to trade up.” The exchange they referenced was not for an upgraded camera, a new SUV, or a larger house. Dallas and Amanda were referring to trading our old life of sin for a new life under the direction of Jesus Christ.

Jesus invites me to trade in . . . my wandering off trail through the brambles of life . . . my worrying that accomplishes nothing . . . my misplaced priorities . . . my focus on doing and possessing. But more importantly, Jesus invites me to trade up . . . for finding and entering the narrow door and the road to eternal life . . . for experiencing God’s peace . . . for discovering what and Who is really important . . . for being the person God wants and needs me to be.

Like all of the other cameras I’ve owned through the years, the one I recently bought will eventually wear out or become obsolete. But the life with Christ that I “traded up” for will never erode, corrode, or become outdated. In fact, unlike most things associated with humanity, my Christian life has become deeper and more meaningful through the years.

So . . . is it time for you to trade up?