Three Ways to Change

This graphic titled “Three Ways to Change” provides a biblically grounded and practically wise framework for personal transformation. Based on Matthew 5:29–30, Romans 8:13, and Hebrews 12:1, these three categories—Amputation, Mortification, and Limitation—help us approach change in a way that is comprehensive, intentional, and God-glorifying.

Three Ways to Change

Amputation – Matthew 5:29–30

Jesus teaches in Matthew 5 that if your eye or hand causes you to sin, cut it off. This is not a call for literal self-harm but a metaphor for decisive, immediate action. Amputation means removing access to sin entirely. It’s urgent and non-negotiable. No negotiating with sin. If you are sinning in an area that is actively destroying your soul, you don’t need more time; you need to cut it off now.

• Examples: Pornography, adultery, drunkenness, gossip, oversleeping, lateness, obsessive fashion pursuits.

Amputation is not about managing sin—it’s about eradicating its access point.

Mortification – Romans 8:13

Paul writes, “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Mortification is the gradual process of weakening sin’s power in your life. This is not merely behavioral change; it’s heart-level transformation. The sins here are deeply rooted in desires, beliefs, and misplaced identities.

• Examples: Lust, anger, insecurity, self-righteousness, craving food, procrastination, fear of others.

Mortification happens over time, through the Spirit’s work and your cooperation. This is progressive sanctification—daily putting sin to death by replacing it with Christ-centered affections and biblical thinking.

Limitation – Hebrews 12:1

Hebrews exhorts us to lay aside every weight, not just sin. This category includes things that aren’t inherently evil but lead us into temptation or distraction. The wise person knows their soul and cuts back where necessary.

• Examples: Social media, movies, drinking, bad companions, eating out, overspending, busyness.

Limitation helps you avoid what slows your sanctification, even if others may have liberty in those same areas. It’s not legalism — it’s wisdom.

Applying the Categories Together

These three methods often work in tandem. For example:

Pornography →

• Amputate by cutting off access (filters, remove apps).
• Mortify lust through renewed affections and self-control.
• Limit social media or media exposure that stirs temptation.

This holistic model guards against shallow change. Behavioral restriction without heart transformation leads to self-righteousness. But heart transformation without structural support (limitations) often leads to relapse. You need both.

Case Study: Biff Applies the Framework with Bert

Bert, a middle-aged man in Biff’s church, came for help managing ongoing struggles with lust and procrastination. Bert has confessed to looking at inappropriate images on his phone during downtime and staying up late watching shows, which led to oversleeping and frequent lateness to work. His marriage with Marge, his wife, has been strained because of it.

Session 1 – Initial Observations

Biff began asking Bert about his patterns. He quickly discovered Bert was trying to “willpower” his way into change—deleting apps one day, reinstalling them the next. Biff realized Bert needed a biblical structure for change— not just motivation, but clarity.

Session 2 – Amputation

Biff challenged Bert to cut off access to the content altogether:

“Bert, we don’t try to manage what Jesus tells us to amputate. That means deleting the apps, blocking the sites, and setting up external accountability. It’s urgent.”

Bert hesitated but agreed.

Session 3 – Mortification

Next, Biff turned to the root issue: Bert’s lust and procrastination. Why does he stay up late scrolling? Because he’s avoiding responsibility. Why does he crave those images? Because he’s escaping from marital disappointment and low self-worth.

They began to study Romans 6–8, emphasizing union with Christ and the Spirit’s role in mortifying sin. Biff asked Bert to journal about where his thoughts go when he’s tempted and helped him see that his affections needed to be reordered toward Christ.

Session 4 – Limitation

Finally, Biff asked Bert to consider what feeds these patterns. They identified late-night screen time, too much entertainment, and no structure to his evenings. Biff helped Bert limit screen time after 9 p.m., reduce social media use, and commit to going to bed earlier.

Summary

Bert’s path forward involved all three biblical strategies:

• Amputation: Removed the source of temptation.
• Mortification: Addressed heart-level sin and deeper beliefs.
• Limitation: Adjusted his environment to prevent relapse.

Biff didn’t just hand Bert a rulebook; he gave him a gospel-centered strategy grounded in Scripture, tailored to Bert’s life. This is soul care that transforms.

Find all our graphics here.

Peace,
Rick