Change Starts with a Choice

Christ has set you free from your old self—but do you still act like you’re held captive?

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.”
(Ephesians 4:17)

I once read about a circus elephant that had been chained to a post for so long, it eventually stopped trying to break free. Even after the chain was removed, it stayed right where it was in self-imposed bondage, convinced it was still trapped. That image has stuck with me. I wonder how many of us, though made new in Christ, still live like we’re helplessly bound to our old life. We’ve been set free, but we’re still living like we’re captives.

The apostle Paul doesn’t leave room for confusion in Ephesians 4:17. Speaking with urgency, he challenges believers to stop living like they don’t know God. He’s not speaking to those outside the faith; rather, he’s addressing people who know the truth but still find themselves stuck in their old habits. Some of us understand that Christ has given us freedom, but we haven’t fully walked in it. For some of us, although we’ve put the old self to death in Christ, we haven’t truly stepped into the new self on a practical level, leaving us vulnerable and largely unchanged.

The transformation Paul describes isn’t just about behavior modification—it’s about a whole new mindset. It’s not enough to just stop doing the wrong things. We need to understand what is right in God’s eyes and choose to live it out daily. That means living in truth rooted in God’s Word—not in the lies the world disguises as truth. It means choosing peace over unresolved anger and speaking words that build up rather than tear down. It means dying to yourself daily and depending on God in every moment, not allowing old habits and mindsets to reclaim your heart. This is the new life you were created for—a life that reflects the righteousness and holiness of God.

So let me ask you—what part of your old life are you still holding on to? What mindset, habit, or sin is keeping you bound when Jesus has already broken the chains? Christ didn’t just die to forgive your past; He rose to give you a brand-new future. Today, by faith, step out of the old and step boldly into the life God has called you to—one marked by freedom, purpose, and the power of His Spirit.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the new life You’ve given me through Christ. Help me to let go of the old and fully walk in the freedom You’ve already provided. Teach me to live in truth, pursue righteousness, and reflect Your holiness each day. Change my heart, renew my mind, and make me more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to the sermon: Putting on the New You

Part 1Part 2Part 3

Ministry Update from Mark

We want to give a heartfelt hat’s off to several outstanding faculty members who have recently retired from the Moody Bible Institute:

Dr. Sajan Mathews, Dr. Eric W. Moore, Dr. Winfred O. Neely, Dr. Dwight A. Perry, Dr. Michael A. Rydelnik, Dr. Elizabeth Skjoldal, and Dr. William D. Thrasher.

Together, these godly men have faithfully served the Lord at Moody for decades —investing deeply in the lives of students and shaping the next generation of Christian leaders. Beloved by their students and colleagues alike, they’ve modeled spiritual integrity, biblical scholarship, and passionate ministry.

Although Dr. Rydelnik and Dr. Neely are officially retiring from full-time educational responsibilities, they will continue to serve as adjunct faculty. Additionally, Dr. Neely will continue speaking and writing for Moody, while Dr. Rydelnik will serve with Moody Radio as host and Bible teacher on Open Line.

We praise God for the extraordinary legacy of these faithful servants.