“Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it. Then you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” (Jeremiah 6:16, NKJV)

“New and improved!” We often see these words in marketing. There is something appealing about a new home, a new car, a new idea, or a newly formulated product. Do you remember New Coke? It was a reformulation of the soft drink, introduced by the Coca-Cola company in 1985. But due to customer backlash, the company reintroduced the original formula within three months, calling it Coca-Cola Classic. The New Coke was renamed Coke II in 1990 and discontinued in 2002. New Coke was considered a colossal failure and a cautionary tale against tampering with an established brand. In other words, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

When it comes to spiritual doctrine, it has been said that if it is new, it is not true, and if it is true, it is not new. While people may have itching ears to hear the latest ideas that they consider to be “relevant”, they are easily deceived by that which is false. The Bible even warns us against doctrine taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1).

This is what happened in Judah. The people had grown tired of hearing the same old message of the Law of Moses. Rather than obeying the words of the LORD that warned them about the consequences of their sins, they gathered prophets around them who declared, “Peace, peace!” But they were only deceiving themselves.

Therefore, the LORD told them to ask for the old paths, where they would find the good way, and to walk in it. That would have been the way of righteousness, peace, blessing and prosperity. Rather than being plagued with guilt, anxiety and fear, they would have found rest for their souls. But they were unwilling to walk in it, so that disaster would come upon them.

The reason I encourage people to read and understand the whole counsel of the Bible is because I believe it to be God’s Word for every generation. I have tested it and found it to be true. It works in the practical matters of life. And I have seen it transform many lives. Finally, I have personally found rest for my soul by meditating on it and walking in it. It may be old, but it is good, and it works!