TeaTime Devotional October 13th, 2025

Written By: Kiki Nixon

A Beautiful Exchange

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24 

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Testify: 

For a long time, I had a hard time saying no. I would take on everyone’s problems, volunteer for everything, and stretch myself thin trying to make sure everyone else was okay — even when I wasn’t. Deep down, I thought being helpful made me valuable. But God started showing me that constantly overextending myself was part of my old self — the part that sought approval and feared disappointing people. Through Ephesians 4:22–24, I learned that I needed to let go of that mindset and allow Him to renew how I see myself. Now, I understand that saying “no” doesn’t make me selfish — it makes me wise. God created me to serve from a place of peace, not exhaustion. These days, I pause and ask Him before I commit to anything. If He hasn’t called me to it, I let it go. I’m learning to walk in my new self — one that honors God by setting healthy boundaries and leaving room for rest.

Edify: 

In Christ, we are invited into a beautiful exchange, the old for the new. Paul reminds us to “put off your old self”. The habits, thoughts, and attitudes that once controlled us and to “put on the new self” that reflects God’s righteousness and holiness. After transformation, your now on assignment to go out into the world and share the goodness of God.

Apply: 

This isn’t a one-time act but a daily choice. Each morning, we decide whether to live by the old patterns or to walk in the freedom of who God says we are. The renewing of our minds happens as we allow God’s Word to reshape our thinking, reminding us that we are no longer who we used to be. So now that you have been through the transformation. “Tag your it” time to walk in your new identity.