To every Christian we could say, “Your view of Christ is too small!” As we walk through life, face the challenges, and absorb the sinful consequences of our world, it is easy to begin to believe in a God that operates in the spiritual realm only. But Christ reminds us of the real world working of God. Paul addresses this concept over and over in his epistle to the Colossians. In Colossians 1:15, We see clearly that, through Christ, God deals intimately with His creation. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Christ is God in the flesh. He is the cause of our redemption, the foremost and authority over all things.

When we think of Christ, we must think beyond our imaginations. Colossians 1:16 informs, For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  Through the verbal word, the Incarnate Word created all things. Nothing exists on this earth apart from the direct act of God. This includes all that would seek to be apart from God. World governments are subject to God’s rule and authority. This seems odd as we recognize most governments actively work against God. But we are reminded in Habakkuk 2 that God is actively using those governments opposed to Him for His own purposes. Daniel 2 informs us that God actively places governmental rulers into their positions. He is not passive! World governments are subject to Christ.

All things were created for Christ. This includes you and me. We often live life after our own devices. In the daily ebb and flow of life, we forget that all are subject to the rule and reign of Christ because he created us. Our interactions with others must reflect the rulership of Christ. Our management of finances must be subject to the rule of Christ. Our work must be subject to the rule of Christ. Even our eating and drinking must be subject to the rule of Christ (1 Cor 10:31). This means that everything we do is dominated by the Word of God. We allow Scripture to have the final say over everything, regardless of our emotions and opinions. Often our view of Christ is too small because we do not think of Him at all.

Yet not only is He the creator of all. He is also the sustainer of all. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17). The statement that He is before all things indicates again His authority over them. He is first, foremost, and supreme. As the foremost, all things find their source and sustenance in Him. He holds it all together. This may be saying that all creation would physically break apart without Christ sustaining it as it will in the last days. It is certainly stating that nothing will work apart from Christ. He holds life together. When we seek to live life apart from Christ, it cannot work. Because Christ is the one who sustains.

What do you think of Christ? Is He simply someone you think about on Sunday? Or is He the ruler of your life? Are you content to live like the rest of the world? Or do you submit yourself to Christ through obedience to His Word? Your view of Christ is too small! Relationships, marriage, money, outdoor vehicles, houses, and prestige cannot and will not bring satisfaction and joy. Only a life completely submitted to and committed to Christ can satisfy. So, build your view of Christ! I might suggest starting with reading the Gospels.