Resetting Life's Clock and Renewing the Cloak: A Fresh Start

Clearing Out the Old to Embrace the New

Philipose Vaidyar

(Adapted from my sermon delivered on  29 December 2024) 

 

As we enter a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the habits, routines, and attitudes we’ve carried with us. Much like the objects and tools in our daily lives, there comes a time when we need to evaluate what’s useful and what’s holding us back.  

Take, for instance, the calendar hanging on the wall. Throughout the year, it reminds us of plans, events, and appointments. But at the end of the year, we replace it without hesitation, making room for a fresh one that reflects the days and opportunities ahead. In this digital era, we don’t even keep the old calendar for reference—it has served its purpose, and it’s time to move on.

Similarly, think about the clock on our wall. We glance at it multiple times a day to track time. Yet, when its battery runs out, we replace it promptly. The spent battery is discarded without attachment, ensuring the clock continues to serve its purpose. Or consider a worn-out tire: we don’t wait for it to become dangerously unfit before replacing it. The risk is too great, so we act quickly and responsibly.

These examples teach us a valuable lesson about life. If we know how to remove, replace, and discard old items that no longer serve us, why are we sometimes negligent in dealing with our outdated habits, behaviors, and attitudes?

Think about the garbage in our kitchens. If left unattended, it begins to stink by the next day. Nobody wants the foul smell lingering, and we certainly don’t want others to endure it either. So, we take action—disposing of it properly, burning what can be burned, burying what can be buried, and recycling what can be reused. This simple principle has profound implications for our personal lives.

Why cling to old habits, toxic behaviors, or mindsets that steal our peace and burden those around us? The start of a new year is our chance to discard the "garbage" in our hearts—resentments, grudges, or harmful patterns—while recycling the lessons of the past into wisdom for the future.

This is more than decluttering; it’s a soul-deep renewal. Let’s burn away what harms, bury what hinders, and embrace what transforms. As we swap old calendars and replace expired batteries, let’s resolve to leave behind anything holding us back and step boldly into the fresh opportunities ahead.

 

A Biblical Roadmap to Renewal

As the year ends, we reflect on life’s journey—its highs, lows, and lessons. While we may carry burdens of regret or unresolved pain, the Word of God calls us to let go of the old and embrace the new with hope.  In Colossians 3:1-17, the Apostle Paul provides a clear guide for leaving behind what weighs us down and stepping into a life renewed in Christ. Let us meditate on this passage and its wisdom as we prepare for a fresh start in the new year.

1. Set Our Minds on Things Above (Colossians 3:1-4)

Paul begins with a call to recalibrate our focus:

"Since, then, we have been raised with Christ, set our hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

To "set our minds on things above" means shifting our perspective from the temporary to the eternal. The concerns of this world—our achievements, possessions, or struggles—are short-lived. But the treasures of heaven are everlasting.

As we look ahead, let us resolve to invest in the eternal. Spend time in prayer, study God’s Word, and nurture our relationship with Him.

2.Put to Death the Old Self (Colossians 3:5-7)

Paul instructs us to "put to death" whatever belongs to our earthly nature, listing sins such as sexual immorality, greed, anger, and slander.

Leaving the past behind requires intentional action. Just as a gardener uproots weeds to make space for healthy growth, we must remove destructive habits and attitudes to thrive in our new life with Christ.

Reflect on areas where we need to let go of old patterns or behaviors. Let us surrender them to God and trust in His transforming power.

3. Clothe Ourselves with Compassion, Kindness, and Humility (Colossians 3:8-14)
After shedding the old self, Paul urges us to "put on" a new wardrobe—one that reflects the character of Christ. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are not just virtues; they are the spiritual garments that distinguish us as followers of Jesus.

Paul highlights the importance of forgiveness:
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).

Forgiveness is a necessary part of this new attire. Just as Christ forgave us without condition, we are called to extend the same grace to others. It frees us from bitterness and restores relationships within the body of Christ.

Above all, Paul instructs us to put on love:
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:14).

Love is the overcoat, the crowning garment that completes our spiritual wardrobe. It binds every virtue—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness—into perfect unity. Without love, these qualities lose their coherence and purpose. Love is central to holy living, reflecting the character of Christ and the heart of the Gospel.

When we clothe ourselves with these virtues, wrapped in the love of Christ, we embody His life and become a witness to His transforming power. This spiritual attire ensures that we live in harmony with others and radiate the Kingdom of God in all we do.

4. A Heart Ruled by Christ's Peace and Enriched by His Word (Colossians 3:15-17)
Paul concludes with a powerful exhortation that emphasizes three guiding principles for living a Christ-centered life:

¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17).

This passage calls us to live intentionally, allowing Christ's transformative power to shape every area of our lives. It invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, guiding us through three key practices:

Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Our Hearts

Reconciliation and peace with God are central to our faith. When we allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, it becomes the foundation for unity with others and stability within ourselves. This peace is not passive but active, calling us to resolve conflicts, live harmoniously as one body, and reflect the love of Christ in our relationships.

Let the Word of Christ Dwell in Us Richly

The Word of God must take up residence in our hearts and minds, saturating every aspect of our lives. This involves:

Meditating and Applying the Word: Engaging deeply with Scripture through study, meditation, and obedience transforms our hearts and aligns our lives with God’s will.

Teaching and Encouraging One Another: When the Word dwells richly in us, it equips us to teach, admonish, and inspire others with wisdom, whether through psalms, hymns, or Spirit-filled songs.

Aligning with God’s Will: Immersing ourselves in the Word renews our minds and enables us to discern God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.

When the Word shapes our perspectives and actions, it becomes the anchor that steadies us in uncertainty and the lens through which we view life’s complexities.

Be Thankful for All Things

Gratitude is woven throughout this passage as a vital aspect of the Christian life. Paul reminds us to:

• Be thankful for God’s peace and promises: Recognizing His goodness fills us with gratitude that transcends circumstances.
• Give thanks in all we do: Whether in word or deed, our actions should glorify God and express appreciation for His blessings.
• Extend gratitude to others: A thankful heart fosters humility and strengthens relationships within the body of Christ.

When we let Christ’s peace rule, His Word dwell richly, and gratitude overflow in our hearts, our lives become acts of worship. This holistic approach transforms our daily actions, enabling us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, bringing glory to God and reflecting His love to the world.

Moving Forward Together

As we close this year, let us commit to leaving the past behind—not by our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us set our minds on things above, put to death the old self, clothe ourselves with Christ-like character, and live each day for His glory. Take a moment to write down one thing we want to leave behind in 2024 and one way we want to grow towards maturity and a fruitful life ahead in 2025 and for eternity. 

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