Renewing the Reflection

What happens when we truly look in the mirror of our faith? This powerful exploration of Colossians 3:5-17 challenges us to ask ourselves a fundamental question: are we reflecting Christ or merely polishing up our old selves? The message cuts straight to the heart of Christian transformation, reminding us that being raised with Christ isn't about becoming nicer people—it's about becoming entirely new creatures. We're called to active combat against the sin within us, not passive waiting. The imagery is striking: just as someone covered in mud from a dirty job rushes home to shower and change clothes, we must daily strip off the filth of worldly patterns and put on the clean garments of Christ-like character. This isn't about perfection but pursuit, about fighting 500 battles to retrain our habits rather than settling into comfortable sin. The text reminds us that our actions reveal who our hearts truly reflect, and that only through the Spirit, the Word, and imitating Christ can we put to death what is earthly in us. When Moses came down from meeting God, he didn't need to announce where he'd been—his face told the story. That's the kind of transformation we're invited into: becoming so unrecognizable from our former selves that the world can't help but see Christ in us.