Emotional Mastery: That's So Old Self
Transition to Your New Self in Christ: 4 Key Facts
In recent years, the self-help/awareness gospel, with its emotional healing component, has boldly entered the institutional church, promising emotional regulation, control, and transformation using secular practices.
That's a problem for Christians.
I've suffered great emotional misery in my life, so I, too, tried this path, but it felt out of sync with my new self in Christ.
How about you? Have you found these practices align with your faith?
Self-help can be tempting, as it highlights the amazing truth of God's design of our physical bodies. But, it also always whispers the age-old lie: it's all up to you now.
But what if the transformation isn't about improving the old self but fully embracing the new identity given to us in Jesus?
4 Facts of Your New Identity in Christ
1. New Creation: You are a new creation; your old sinful nature was crucified with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Past mistakes or old habits no longer define you and your reality.
2. Adoption as Children of God: You have a new identity as a beloved child of God, entirely accepted by Him (Galatians 4:7). This relationship changes how you see yourself and your purpose in life.
3. Renewed Mind: Your behavior will transform as your mind is renewed by the Holy Spirit, revealing your new nature to the world (Romans 12:2).
4. Walking by the Spirit: As a new creation, you can walk by the Holy Spirit (by choice), allowing His fruit in your life — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities reflect your new self in Christ and impact those around you.
And that feels out of this world good.
The ultimate transformation isn’t about improving the old self, but embracing the new identity already given to us in Jesus and showing it off.
Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory. Colossians 3:3–5 (ERV)
New Self Conclusion
Self-improvement is an exhausting and never-ending process of striving to do more, be more, and have more. You might feel tired just thinking about it.
The truth is, your old self was beyond improvement. That's why it died as God said it would. But here's the good news: Jesus declared, "It is finished." He has given us everything we need for a new life. We can rest in that assurance.
Let me emphasize: **We Already Have Everything — We Are Everything in Christ.** Nothing is left to improve, for God has already perfected His work in us. As brand-new creations, there's no point in reviving what is dead, even if possible.
So, dear Christian, stop striving and start living out your new identity.
If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1–3, ESV).
Rest in the finished work of Christ, and let your life reflect the transformative power of your new identity in Him.
PS: Renew your mind with new self-awareness encouragement.
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