Christ, the Sustainer
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
Colossians 1:17-18 (CSB)
In today's world, division and tension often overshadow the culture. People tend to find more reasons to stay separated rather than embracing the unity Christ offers. The apostle Paul points out that unity is achievable for followers of Christ because Christ is the unifying bond. Once we see this truth, our perspective should be shaped by Christ, His will, His ways, and His Word.
Christ Before All Things. Paul shifts focus to show that Christ is the one who sustains and unifies us by emphasizing His eternal existence. He previously described Jesus as the “firstborn of all creation,” highlighting His eternal nature across past, present, and future. Therefore, we must remember that Christ is eternal—before all things—and the Creator of everything (through Him, all things were made). These truths serve as a reminder of the importance of placing Him as the top priority in our lives.
Christ Holds All Things Together. Christ is the foundation that unites everything. The Apostle understands that the church in Colossae faces many challenges and potential temptations that could lead to tension and division. He reminds them that Christ is the bond that keeps us connected. As the link that unites us, when Christ is at the center, nothing can truly separate us. This doesn't imply that members always agree perfectly, but it does mean that love, unity, grace, mercy, and peace should constantly be present. The presence of these qualities is not due to human effort but solely because of Christ.
Christ, the Head of the Church. Christ, the Head of the Church, gives life and leadership to the church. He must be the one guiding the paths and overseeing activities. When Christ is recognized as the leader, the Body should strive to follow His direction. Just as our physical bodies respond to the head's commands—where the head issues directives and the body follows—this perfectly illustrates how the Body of Christ should respond to Christ, the Head of the Church.
QUESTIONS
When we live with Christ as our priority and bond then unity exists. What personal feelings or thoughts or pressures of this world serve as a temptation to this truth?
What needs to be surrendered in your life to allow Christ to bring unity with others?
