When we tie sin to behavior, we’re sure to tie salvation to it as well. The truth is, that sin goes much deeper than behavior. It is rooted in our beliefs and in our identities. It is for this reason that behavior modification cannot work. Because it cannot address the root, it cannot transform the fruit.

What must first happen are the death of the old and the birth of the new. Sin resides in our old identities and it is fed by our old beliefs. Until our identities are changed by the blood of Jesus and our beliefs are replaced by the truth of His word, we’re doomed to repeat the same behaviors despite all our efforts to overcome them.

Yet even after having experienced these things we often find ourselves resorting back to the same old system. We go back to self-improvement processes that never worked and experience the shame that brought us to our knees in the first place. Because we have mistaken transformation for behavior modification we assume that our identities have not changed and the same root problem remains. As such many Christians never experience the victory of the freedom purchased for them by the blood of Jesus.

Take it to the heart of the enemy! Examine the falsehoods that form your beliefs and come out of agreement with them. Embrace the truth of God’s word and allow it to do its work. It does not reform so much as it transforms. Only here will you find your true identity.

No amount of behavior modification can change our identities, but when we embrace identities in Christ it is sure to change our behaviors.

And now I know, I am preaching to myself…

~ Mitch Salmon

Mitch Salmon is a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!