And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18

From time to time, we hear of someone being referred to as an “eminent” person in a given field or profession—perhaps scholarship, law, art, or even the clergy. But very rarely do we hear of someone referred to as the “preeminent” leader in his or her field of endeavor. Preeminent means “the most eminent; above all others.”

Identifying the preeminent person in a worldly venue is perhaps a matter of opinion. But identifying Jesus Christ as having “the preeminence” in “all things” – that is a claim that is beyond challenge (Colossians 1:18). 

And it’s not up to people to agree or disagree. Christ’s preeminence is God’s own inspired estimation of His Son, “the firstborn from the dead.”   This is not, and never will be, up for opinion.

Sooner or later, what is preeminent in someone’s life will be revealed in time through their actions and conversation. If Christ is preeminent in all things and He lives in us, should He not be the inspiration for all our words and our works?

It is a good personal exercise to monitor our words and works daily. Are there times when anything takes precedence over Christ in our life? Let His preeminence in us be obvious to others.

Someone once said,  “To be much like Christ, be much with Christ.”  (- Anonymous)