I Don’t Have To Do That Anymore!

By Dee Davis | Divine Inspirations

“But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us....”

Ephesians 2:13–14a (NLT)

Have you ever looked back at the person you used to be and whispered with gratitude, “I don’t have to do that anymore”? That’s the power of the cross! That’s the grace of Jesus!

Even a Child Understands This Power

This week on Easter Sunday, during our Resurrection Service, two young children were invited to share what the Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus meant to them. Their voices were small, but their message was powerful:

“The blood of Christ protects us—and because of it, we don’t have to do or live like we used to!”

That truth, spoken so simply, reminded every heart in the room of the freedom Christ has purchased for us. Even children can see what many adults forget: We are covered! We are free! We are new!

There was a time when we were all outsiders—far from God, cut off from His promises, trying to survive in our own strength. We chased love in all the wrong places. We sought peace in addictions, approval, and avoidance. We ran to people, places, and things that only gave temporary relief but left us emptier than before.

But Jesus.

The Cross Changed Everything

“In those days you were living apart from Christ...You lived in this world without God and without hope.”

Ephesians 2:12 (NLT)

The words of Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:11–18 that before Christ, we were excluded from the covenant. We were strangers to God’s promises, living in darkness and dysfunction, trying to fill eternal voids with temporary solutions. But through the blood of Jesus, we are now brought near, made whole, and invited into divine peace.

We don’t have to run anymore!

We don’t have to hustle for love!

We don’t have to numb the pain with substances, shopping, or unhealthy relationships!

We don’t have to keep choosing bondage!

He Is Our Peace

“For He Himself broutht us peace... Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.”

Ephesians 2:14, 16 (NLT)

Jesus didn’t just bring peace—He IS peace. When He died for us, He tore down every wall that separated us from the Father. He made a way for us to experience healing, wholeness, and freedom. We no longer have to live like outsiders, orphans, or addicts. We are children of God with full access to the promises here on earth as it is in heaven!

You Don’t Have to...

Because of Jesus:

• You don’t have to find comfort in alcohol.

• You don’t have to use food to bury emotional pain.

• You don’t have to isolate yourself to feel safe.

• You don’t have to overspend to feel seen.

• You don’t have to run back to toxic relationships to feel wanted.

• You don’t have to perform to be loved.

  
  

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

John 8:36 (NLT)

Freedom is not just a future hope—it is NOW, a present reality! In Christ, you are already free. You don’t have to do that (whatever 'that' is for you), anymore!

The Holy Spirit Is Your Guarantee

“...and when you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago.”

Ephesians 1:13 (NLT)

God didn’t just deliver you—He sealed you! The Holy Spirit is your divine helper, your guide, your comforter, and your guarantee! He empowers you to walk in your new identity and to say “no” to the old you. Every time the enemy tries to tempt you back, decree over yourself:

“I don’t have to do that anymore—I’ve been set free!”

Reflection Questions

1. What are some things from your past that you no longer need to rely on because of Christ?

2. Where have you been seeking peace or love outside of Jesus?

3. How can you remind yourself daily that you’ve been brought near by the blood of Christ?

4. What practical step can you take this week to walk in the freedom the Holy Spirit guarantees you?

Final Encouragement

Beloved, you are not who you used to be! You don’t live there anymore! The old you was buried with Christ—and the new you is raised in power, love, and freedom! Walk boldly! Live freely! And every time temptation comes knocking, just say:

“I don’t have to do that anymore!”

Be blessed!