Daily Devotion

“To do what Jesus said, or to keep the law, one does not try to keep the law. That is the way of the Pharisee, and always fails. Instead, one tries (with grace, always available) to become the kind of person who does what Jesus said ("keeps the law") because of who they have become through and through. To do this they must see the goodness of being that kind of person, decide to become that kind of person, and implement wise means to that end.”

Dallas Willard · "The Need, Vision and Strategy of Growing in Christlikeness," plenary address at the European Leadership Forum, Eger, Hungary, May 2006

Scripture

Ephesians 4:22–24 So that you may put off your old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. And put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reflection

The most profound change in life isn't about changing jobs, moving to a new city, or completing more ministry work, but about becoming a new person in Christ. The old self is bound by selfish desires and fears, always striving to control the future and pursue performance. The new self, renewed by the Spirit of God, learns obedience, rest, and trust. God isn't concerned with how much "spiritual achievement" I achieve, but with whether I become more like Him in the process—more gentle, more upright, more pure, and more compassionate. True discipleship isn't a busy list of tasks to serve, but a life story shaped by God. Every time I "let go of the old self," I allow the Holy Spirit space to "reshape me." Every time I "renew my mind," I realign with God's kingdom.