“not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord” (Hebrews 8:9).
Corporate organizations often speak of the need to build a performance-based culture. This usually involves a commitment to implement the strategies, practices, behaviors, processes, and values that help drive a preferred outcome. However, the emphasis on a performance-based mindset isn’t only limited to corporate business cultures. You see, that attitude permeates virtually every area of life and includes many diverse fields, such as athletics, finance, academics, physical health, and beyond.
Although we may not realize it, this mindset extends to our personal relationships as well. For instance, whenever we decide that a person is incapable of completing a task (consciously or otherwise), we apply a performance-based standard to that person. This approach can be wise and prudent if there are valid, objective reasons for making that choice. However, such assessments are inappropriate (not to mention unbiblical) if they are merely based upon outward appearances or some other arbitrary, external factor. Fortunately, God is able to uphold and use even the least accomplished person who genuinely seeks to be used by Him.
The point is that “performance” is so ingrained within the human experience that it is often difficult to abandon it, especially when it comes to the area of spirituality. Even when faced with humanity’s complete inability to fulfill just ten of God’s directives, many still feel the need to “do something” in regard to their salvation. This helps explain why it is often difficult to accept God’s New Covenant. It also explains why it is so necessary.
Since people generally act upon their internal beliefs, the best way to effect genuine change is to replace a performance-based relationship with God (such as the one that existed under the Old Covenant) with a New Covenant that is based upon a God-honoring internal mindset. Even Israel’s king David recognized the need to facilitate this internal change when he wrote, “Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me” (Psalm 51:10 GNT).
That is precisely what God promised through the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah. While the Old Covenant was written externally, God’s New Covenant would be written internally. We’ll examine the covenant foretold through that great Biblical prophet in greater detail next.