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Let Go of the Old Self and Move Forward with the New you
As fall begins, we see new opportunities to start fresh. Students, parents, and educators prepare for a new school year, while organizations make plans for the future. Yet, each new season brings obstacles—be it health, finances, family, career, or our relationship with God. These challenges often require hard choices if we want to move forward.
Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us of this journey: “22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
Like resetting a watch, God calls us to leave the old behind and embrace the new, moving forward, not backward.
I had my first wrist watch when I was 10 years old. It was a gift from my Mom to reward me for being first in a class of 150 students. She reminded me that I can only reset the watch by moving the hands forward even if I had to set the time back one hour. As strange as it sounds, to go back one hour I will actually have to move the hands forward 23 hours. The reason—the mechanics of the watch aren’t meant to move in the opposite direction. Time is always advancing.
In September, the Fall Evangelical Services and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) emphasized the importance of letting go of the past to fully embrace our new lives in Christ. While it’s natural to reflect on the past, we must avoid getting stuck there. Staying in comfort zones blinds us to the changes God wants to bring in our lives. When we stay with what is comfortable and familiar, instead of anticipating and navigating in the moment, we develop blind spots and limiting ourselves to what we knew in the past. This often means releasing the “old self”—the worldly habits and carnal desires that hinder spiritual growth. It is a shame to allow the old carnal self to drag the spiritual self’s growth.
Scripture assures us of the blessings in becoming a new creation. Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: Behold all things have become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation means shedding the old ways and living in the fullness of God’s righteousness.
During the ESSC, we learned practical ways to embrace this “new self”:
- New Assurance: Our future is secure in Christ. “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- New Activity: Walking by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
- New Aim: Living to please God, our highest purpose (2 Corinthians 5:9).
- New Motivation: Compelled by Christ’s love, we dedicate ourselves to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14).
- New Attitude: Living not for ourselves but for Him who died for us (2 Corinthians 5:15).
- New Task: Serving as Christ’s ambassadors, sharing His message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20).
One inspiring story from the ESSC was of an elderly woman with physical challenges who chose to be baptized, showing her determination to live by faith, not by sight. Carried by others to the lake, her baptism reflected a commitment to eternal life over serious physical obstacles.
In leadership, these principles apply profoundly. Leaders often focus on personal strength or control, but true leadership starts with humility and God-centered purpose. This self-awareness is vital to prevent blind spots that could lead others astray. You can’t afford to wait for the circumstance to change or the circumstance will change you. This is essential to become a timeless ambassador for Christ which requires strong leadership based on Him. David’s story with Goliath illustrates this well: while others saw a fearful giant, David saw a chance for God’s glory to be revealed. Our outlook—what we see, hear, and do—should come from our faith and relationship with God, who empowers us to serve and love fully.
In this season, God invites us to “reset our watch” by moving forward into new attitudes and purposes. We are called to step away from the “old self” and embrace the “new creation” in Christ. Our path is one of faith, leading us to live for God and find the true, eternal value in life.
Time to reset your watch. Remember to move the hands forward even if you need to go back an hour. So, what’s new with you? What are you resolved to be new in? Join us in worship, and together, let’s lay a solid foundation for the new life God has for us, growing stronger in faith and purpose. We look forward to seeing you.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org