Three Ways to Change

There are three ways to change, as seen in scripture: amputation, mortification, and limitation.

1. Amputation: This is the immediate removal of what causes sin. As Matthew 5:29 says, “If your eye offends you, pluck it out.” This approach is about cutting off sin at its source.
2. Mortification: Romans 8:13 speaks of mortification, which is the gradual process of making dead the things that hinder us spiritually. This approach deals with internal issues, requiring ongoing effort to weaken and remove sin from our hearts.
3. Limitation: This involves restricting things in our lives that aren’t inherently sinful but can lead us to sin. For example, social media might not be sinful, but it can be a source of temptation and thus needs to be limited.

To illustrate:

• Pornography: We should cut off access to pornography immediately (amputation). Lust, the internal heart issue, needs to be mortified, meaning we must work on our thoughts and desires over time. Limitation might involve restricting social media use, as it could lead to exposure to pornography.
• Adultery: Stop it immediately (amputation). Mortification involves dealing with underlying issues like anger towards a spouse, which could lead to adultery. Limitation could mean avoiding movies that stir up lust.
• Drunkenness: Stop drinking (amputation). Mortification addresses the internal insecurity driving the desire to drink. Limitation might involve avoiding situations where alcohol is present.
• Gossip: Stop it immediately (amputation). Mortify self-righteousness, the deeper heart issue that fuels gossip. Limit interaction with companions who encourage gossip.
• Oversleeping and Craving Food: Cut off oversleeping by setting good patterns (amputation). Mortify the desire for comfort and escape that leads to these behaviors. Limit eating out, as it’s not inherently sinful but can contribute to the problem.
• Always Late: Become a better time manager (amputation). Mortify procrastination, the deeper issue that causes lateness. Limit activities that lead to being overwhelmed and unable to manage time effectively.
• Fashion and Fear of Man: Cut off the desire to conform to fashion trends due to fear of others’ opinions (amputation). Mortify the desire for approval and acceptance. Limit spending on clothes, as it’s not sinful but can be an issue for some.

In each of these areas, consider the three categories of change: immediate action (amputation), ongoing internal work (mortification), and practical limitations. This holistic approach is essential when helping someone through life’s challenges with gospel-centered love and wisdom.