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Friends, there is a fundamental truth about our faith that must move from a Sunday school answer to a daily reality: Jesus Christ is supreme.

This isn't just a theological concept for academics; it is the lifeblood of our courage in the storms and the compass for every decision we make. Our recent sermon focused on the essential, non-negotiable claim of the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:17-18:

"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

Let’s unpack this, because it’s a direct challenge to the priorities we hold every day.

Christ: The Anchor When the Storm Hits

We all have those "rainy nights" and "dark days" in our lives. In those moments, it’s only natural for us to ask that age-old question: "Why, God, do you allow bad things to happen?"

I confess, I don't have all the answers. But I do know this: when you find yourself asking "Why?", quickly pivot to asking, "What could it have been, if not for Your mercy?"

Colossians 1:17 tells us that Christ is the great Sustainer. The word "consist" means that the universe is held together by Him. He is the structural integrity of the cosmos. If He is holding the stars in place, do you honestly believe He is not holding you and your family in the midst of your sorrow, loss, or hurt? Trust the anchor—the Lord Himself is the One keeping you from being completely overwhelmed. We know that God is always working "all things for his good," and sometimes, our deepest tragedies become the seedbed for a spiritual harvest in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Christ: The Head That Demands Direction

Paul’s argument is clear: Christ is supreme over creation, and He is supreme over the Church. He is the "head of the body," meaning He is the authority, the director, and the life source for every believer. The ultimate goal, clearly stated in verse 18, is "that in all things he might have the preeminence"—that He might be absolutely first.

This leads to a deep, personal cross-examination: Is Christ first in your life?

Many of us fear that if we truly let Christ be first, we will have to "give literally everything away." We worry that a life surrendered to God means a life void of desire, will, or joy.

But let me tell you, that is not the heart of the Gospel. That is fear trying to masquerade as piety.

Christ is not asking for a miserable sacrifice; He is asking for alignment. As the great preacher C.H. Spurgeon once said, and as the message reminds us: "If He be something He must be everything, and if He be not everything He is nothing to you."

The Evidence of a First-Place Heart

How do you know if Christ is your "everything?" The test is simple:

  • If Christ is first, you'll want what He wants.
  • If Christ is first, you'll go where He wants you to go.
  • If Christ is first, you'll give what He wants you to give, and give up what He wants you to give up.

The beautiful part of this alignment is the divine assurance that follows: What is important to you is important to God. When you place Him at the head of your life, He takes ownership of your concerns. Your family, your job, your health, your anxieties—they become important to the God who is supreme over all.

I pray that this week, you stop trying to keep Christ in a comfortable compartment of your life. Open the doors of your heart, your calendar, and your wallet, and allow Him to take the throne. In surrendering everything to Christ, you will find that you lose nothing of true value, and you gain the fullness of life in Him.

Is Christ above all in all things this morning? I pray your answer is a joyful, resounding "Yes!"