The Permeating Preeminence!

When we are considering our choices of places to go and actions to take part in, as Christians we should always be mindful of how those choices reflect Christ. Would He do what we do and would He go where we go? Perhaps the better question to ask is: Are we willing to go where JESUS WOULD GO and do what JESUS WOULD DO? Do we seek to advise the Lord hoping to receive His stamp of approval on our choices or are we willing to submit to the direction of His Will?

In Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, he note the place that belongs to Jesus.
“(15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (16) 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. (17) And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (18) And HE IS THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, THAT IN EVERYTHING HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT.” ( Colossians 1:15-18 ESV)

Jesus Christ holds the supreme position over His body, the church. He is to be acknowledged as THE HEAD of it. Paul also noted this truth in his letter to the church at Ephesus. ( Ephesians 5:23) Earlier in that letter he pointed out that Jesus is THE HEAD of His body, the church, which is “the fullness of him who fills all in all.” ( Ephesians 1:22-23) Between these passages we should understand how Jesus not only has the PREEMINENCE over His body as THE HEAD, but the “fullness” of His essence is to PERMEATE (spread through and fill) the whole body as well. If we are going to be like Christ and influence the world for Him, we must surrender to this reality in our relationship to Him as the Lord of our whole life.

How can the body be expected to function if the body leaves the HEAD behind. That is exactly what is done when the authority and preeminence of Christ is set aside in favor of the choices of society or a congregation of people. However, we must also consider this individually, because as a part of the body of Christ we do not cease to be a part of it when we are away from the assembly of our brethren. Daily living is still to be approached from the standpoint of ALLOWING THE HEAD -- Jesus Christ -- to guide where we go and what we do. Rightfully being under Him as THE HEAD it cannot be any other way.

Have a great day LABORING AND LIVING UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS!
Carl

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