Is Jesus Really First in Your Life?

We live in a world where people are fine with Jesus being a good teacher, a wise man, or even a prophet. But when you start talking about Him as Lord over everything—that’s where people get uncomfortable.

Paul knew this was happening in the church at Colossae. Some people were teaching that Jesus was just another created being, not fully God. So Paul sets the record straight in Colossians 1:15-23—Jesus isn’t just important. He’s first. He’s over all things. He’s supreme.

First, Paul makes it clear that Jesus is Lord over creation. He calls Jesus “the image of the invisible God” and “the firstborn over all creation.” That doesn’t mean Jesus was created—it means He ranks above everything. He made the world, He holds it together, and it all exists for Him. That means you and I? We were created by Him and for Him. Our purpose isn’t something we come up with—it’s to know and worship Jesus.

Then Paul shifts to the Church. Jesus is Lord over His people. The Church isn’t just a building or a gathering—it’s a body, and Jesus is the head. Think about how your brain controls everything in your body. If your brain stops working, your body stops functioning. Same with the Church—without Jesus leading it, we have no direction, no power, no life. Our job isn’t to reinvent the Church or make it cool—it’s to stay connected to Jesus and do what He’s called us to do.

And then, the biggest part—Jesus is Lord over the cross. Paul reminds us that we weren’t just distant from God before Jesus—we were enemies. We were dead in sin, completely cut off from Him. But through the cross, Jesus made peace between us and God. We didn’t earn it, we didn’t deserve it, but He gave it anyway.

So what do we do with this?

First, ask yourself: Does Jesus actually have first place in your life, or is He just an add-on? If He’s Lord over everything, then He should be Lord over your decisions, your time, your relationships—everything.

Second, think about how you view church. Are you actually connected to Jesus, or just going through the motions?Being part of the Church isn’t just showing up—it’s being led by Him.

And finally, don’t miss the power of the cross. If you’re carrying guilt, trying to earn God’s love, or wondering if you’re good enough—stop. Jesus already did the work. You just have to receive it.

Jesus isn’t just a piece of our lives—He is the reason we exist. The question isn’t whether He’s Lord, it’s whether we’re actually living like He is.