Colossians 1:17 (ESV)
¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Sometimes biblical writers like Paul will take a statement from the scriptures and use the words to make a point without worrying about the context of the original statement. For example, in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul is teaching the Corinthians about tongue speaking. The saints at Corinth were abusing their gift of speaking in tongues because they had a carnal attitude about it. So, in making a point about tongues, Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11 (1 Corinthians 14:21). If you were to look at the context of that Isaiah passage, you would find that it says nothing about the miracle of tongue-speaking. Paul used it because it spoke of a foreign language being a sign to disbelieving Israel, which is the primary purpose of tongue-speaking, that is, a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22).

In this blog, I want to follow Paul’s method and simply use the words of Colossians 1:17, especially the first part of the verse. I am very much aware of the actual context of the verse, and it is awesome. It is one of the top two or three passages in the Bible on the superiority of Christ. It points out, in irrefutable terms, the deity of Christ; but, again, I just want to use the words.

“And he is before all things.” When we think about Jesus, these words should be true regarding our lives. Jesus should be before all things. Is there anything in your life that comes before Jesus? If so, that is a mistake, and it is a mistake that we all probably make sometimes. It is easy to put the things of this world (that we can see and handle) first in our lives. I am not talking about carnal things that are sinful in themselves; I am referring to natural aspects of our lives, many of which are essential to our living. What are some things in this world that we tend to put before Christ? Our occupation might be one.

Working for a living is what God wants us to do. Paul once said, “…If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). However, our earthly occupation should not be the focus of our lives. Think about Paul. He did not allow himself to put his secular job before Christ. He was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3), but tentmaking did not define him. When we think about Paul, his tentmaking skill is not what comes to mind first, if it even comes to mind at all. Instead, it is his Christianity that we think of because in his life, Jesus was before all things (Philippians 3:21).

Family is something else that too many Christians put before Jesus. Jesus knew this would be a problem. It is why He said, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). Jesus must be before all things in our lives, even family. In fact, to disciples of Christ, biological family loses some of its significance because Christians have a new family. Jesus said, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Put-ting Jesus before all things includes putting His body, the church, first as well.

The second part of Colossians 1:17 says, “…and in Him all things hold together.” Christ is the glue that holds our lives together. When we abide in Him, His Word gives us direction and purpose and keeps every aspect of our lives in place. Away from Christ, our lives can become chaotic and out of control, but when we put Him before all things, we have peace and things make sense.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.