5/9/25 – “Is Christ Prominent Or Preeminent?”

 

Paul wrote to the Colossians and spoke of Christ and His redemption, creative power, and ability to hold everything together (Col. 1:14-17). Continuing this thought, Paul wrote, “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” (Col. 1:18). To be preeminent is to hold first place, or be first in rank or position. Nothing comes before the thing or person that is preeminent in your life!

 

In Colossians 1, Christ is described as our redeemer, creator, sustainer, the head of the church, and the “firstborn from the dead.” If for no other reason than these, Christ needs to be preeminent in our lives. He must be first in rank. He must hold the first position in our lives. This is a position He truly deserves (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17).

 

Let us beware lest Satan tempt us (Jas. 1:14-15; I Jn. 2:15-17) and we place someone or something above Christ. In its simplest form, when we prioritize anything before the Lord, it becomes our idol. Colossians 3:5 warns us that “covetousness is idolatry.” Our idol might very well be a thought, a wish, etc., just as much as a stick or a stone. Is there any wonder John commands, “ Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (I Jn. 5:21)? We must avoid anything and everything that would demand first place (preeminence) before the Lord!

 

For many, Christ is “prominent” in their lives. In other words, they see Christ as important, but not the most important. They want to raise a moral family and know that Christ’s doctrine must help guide them. They want their children to be well-behaved, and they want them to be good citizens. Yet, they do not wish to be considered a “religious nut,” or some kind of “kook,” so Christ takes a prominent place in their lives, but He is not preeminent. This is a problem because Christ demands and deserves preeminence (Col. 1:18)! 

 

Is Christ prominent in your life or preeminent? Let us take a little test and see …

• Do you “forsake the assembling of ourselves together” when you find things “more important” are going on? (Read Heb. 10:25)?
• Do you plan to faithfully worship God on the Lord’s day, even when on vacation (Jn. 4:24)? Or do you allow vacations to dictate whether or not you will assemble with the saints? (Ex: not sure where a congregation meets, too far away, etc.)
• Do you consider certain things more important than the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33)?
• Do you put the Lord and His kingdom first, even above your job, family, and friends (Matt. 10:34-39)?
• Do you consider living for Jesus a “good ideal” but impossible in the 21st century? (Col. 3:17; I Pet. 4:11)
• Do you consider “walking in the light” (I Jn. 1:7) the only way (not “one of” the ways) to live in this world?
• Do you think all churches are OK, and we just need to choose the church that fits us best? (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47)
• Do we insist that Christ is the head (singular) of the body (singular), the church (Col. 1:18)?

– Jarrod M. Jacobs