The Centrality of Christ

Open Your Bible

Colossians 1:15-23, Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 8:5-6, Jude 1:24-25

I guess it was inevitable. All my life, I had 20/20 vision. Distant street signs? No problem. Small print on a menu? I’ve got this. But then I turned forty. As eyestrain and blurriness became my new normal, I realized how much I had taken the gift of clear vision for granted. Now I have eyeglasses scattered throughout my home and car as I squint to see things up close and far away. Good times.

Today’s passages remind us that, without Jesus, our spiritual vision is impaired too. On our own, we strain as we consider who God is and how we can be close to Him. Can I know God? Does God really love and accept me? Can I trust Him? The answers to such honest, human questions shape our faith and lives, yet they often seem blurry.

Paul wanted the church in Colossae to see the truth clearly. They had started with gospel clarity, seeing Jesus as the only one able to reconcile sinful people to a holy God, “by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20). But false teachers were misleading the church. They were instructing the Colossians to rely on their own efforts and enlightenment for right standing with God, instead of relying on the finished work of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. The issue was a Christ-centered worldview versus their self-centered worldview, which is a futile, tiring way to live.

Truth was being twisted and blurred, so Paul urged the Colossians to look to Christ. Relying on Christ alone was the only way to see and experience God with clarity and certainty. “[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (v.15). Jesus is the very image of God because He is God. When we look to Jesus—how He lived, how He loved, how He forgave, how He sacrificed to restore broken, lost people—we see how God relates to us.

Looking to Christ is like putting on eyeglasses so we can see God and ourselves more clearly. Looking to Christ means seeing and embracing the truth that He is Creator and King of every single thing in all creation—including our salvation, the daily ups and downs of our lives, and the state of the entire world.

To be sure, our vision is impaired and life can be a blur: morning-rush meltdowns, job hassles, relationship tensions, deep disappointments, fear of the future. We strain for clarity and control. But let us “not [shift] away from the hope of the gospel” (v.23). Is blurriness about God’s power and love becoming your new normal? Are you feeling the strain of relying more and more on yourself to push through each day? Put on your eyeglasses! Look to Christ, and rely on Him. Rest in Him.

Jesus, you see, rule, and restore all of your creation. Help us rely on You, to trust You to restore our sight too. Restore our vision of Your power and love. Amen.

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73 thoughts on "The Centrality of Christ"

  1. Michaela Hawkins says:

    I love you, sisters

  2. Mercy says:

    “…making peace by the blood of his cross”. This is a beautiful and powerful statement for me this morning. We long for peace, in our heart, in our home, in our sleep, in our waking hours, in our workplace, in our relationships, in our silence, in our thoughts, in our journeys. Let us know that such peace has been provided for at the cross. May we receive it. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27), “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15), “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6), “…those who promote peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20), “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalms 119:165), “For the kingdom of God is …of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17), “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 1:2). Be blessed dear sisters.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes! Thank you Mercy, I will have to save this for peace, for grouping those together for us!!

  3. Gwineth52 says:

    Dear Shes
    A Bible teacher once said, seek to memorize Colossians 1: vv. 15-20…for it establishes the full spectrum! the scope & magnitude! the complete manifestation! the centrality of Christ!
    I discovered an abbreviated …yet amplified in the heart…version to recite. To remind me & restore me to His overarching authority.
    Amen & Amen

    The Centrality of Christ
    Colossians 1: vv 15-20
    He is the image of the invisible God.
    He is the firstborn over all Creation.
    He is the Creator of everything in heaven & earth.
    He is before all things.
    He is the One who holds all things together.
    He is the head of the church.
    He is the beginning.
    He is the One in whom all the fullness of God dwells.
    He is the reconciler of all things.
    He is the ultimate peacemaker.

    1. Carol J Mylin says:

      ♥️♥️

    2. Ann W says:

      Love this!❤️

  4. Sarah Ritchie says:

    “to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him”. Lord let this be the guiding goal of my life. The thing that is always at the forefront and that I work towards. Praying Lara for your finances.

  5. Kira H. says:

    Not sure if there are any other Slugs and Bugs fans out there, but one of the Bible verse songs that they have is “Jesus Christ is the Same” – it’s the way I memorized this bit from Colossians, and now my heart will rejoice as I have that song (and therefore this verse) on repeat in my head for the rest of the day!

  6. Lara Castillo says:

    I have been feeling the strain of relying on myself more and more. Praying to put Jesus back at the center with eyes to see and ears to hear, not just going through the motions. Also- prayer request for my finances. my car was broken into this past weekend and my cash and credit & debit cards were stolen. They were able to charge $992 dollars on our debit, praying for a quick investigation and resolution to get our money back.

    1. Mercy says:

      So sorry Lara! praying for justice to come through and full restoration. Same incident happened to Kelly a while back and praise Jesus, all was restored.

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      Ouch! Yes, I have had my purse stolen a couple times too. They seem to be quicker these days to take care of stuff, praying it gets done soon!

  7. Michelle Feneide says:

    ❤️

  8. Kris says:

    I HIGHLY recommend everyone watching Louie Giglio’s teaching on “How Big is our God” and the teaching about Laminin. SO POWERFUL!!!!! Both are easily searched on YouTube. It will blow you away… and there’s no disputing that Jesus is certainly right in the middle of EVERYTHING, He truly hold everything in the universe together.

  9. Cheryl Blow says:

    I’m praying to have the eyes of my heart opened to see what Jesus sees! So thankful that through Christ’s death in the cross, we are held together. I know for many life seems to be falling apart but rest assured He is holding you together!

    Praying for ALEIDA and Victor that doors will open and provision will come for him.
    Taylor- praying for your job situation and peace.
    KELLY- praising God for this new employee and for them to continue doing well
    SHANNON, LINDA IN NC, and all affected by Helene, RHONDS J-Stacey and her family, LAURA- thank you for sharing your testimony, God’s restoration!STACEY- praying for healing from Lyme’s disease! Praying for complete healing and no lingering effects from it!

    Thanks all for sharing!

  10. Stacey B says:

    I would love prayer for healing of Lyme disease attack

    1. GramsieSue says:

      Prayers for healing ❤️

    2. Mercy says:

      Praying dear Stacey, that full healing is your portion, for the glory of the Healer our Lord.

  11. Sarah Matthews says:

    Lord, I pray that my worldly troubles and distractions do not keep me from reaching out to you. I know my ways are useless. Help me to remember that and pray to you for answers. Amen.

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Yes, Sarah!
      Love the way the devotion writer said: the self-centered way is a futile, tiring way to live.
      Let us rest in & rely upon Him.

  12. Mari V says:

    I starting laughing at Patty’s opening statement!! That was me EXACTLY!! I had always had 20/20 vision, then I turned forty!! I remember asking what was wrong with me and I was told “welcome-to-forty” I love who she goes onto say of our vision being impaired by life, BUT GOD…. WE as children of the MOST high GOD have Jesus and the HOLY Spirit to help us “see” along the way. I am far from perfect, all of us are, BUT we have JESUS and that’s all we need as long as we are willing to follow in HIS direction, even when it gets hard. I mentioned many times, I cannot due life without my JESUS! During those dark, dark times when I felt alone, JESUS was and is my everything. Please pray as I read a text message from my daughter early this morning when I woke up. She had sent while I was asleep and I guess their dad left a message on my mom’s landline. My kids didn’t listen to it, but they will and want me to do as well and then report it. He’s been violating the restraining order by coming into our neighborhood. As I take-a-deep-breath, I know my JESUS is with me, yet I know I need to still be careful.

    1. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Praying for wisdom for you Mari, that you will know how to respond or not – God’s will be done. Continued prayers for your family. ❤️

    2. Cathy McVey says:

      Praying for you Mari. I know how scary that is. Praying for safety for you and your family. Don’t hesitate to report the message if you feel at all uneasy. Praying for wisdom and safety for you and your children. Hugs ❤️

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        In agreement with Catherine and Sharon!

  13. Jade Gaines says:

    I give up all my distractions and earthly and spiritual treasures and desire. I decenter myself and shift my focus back to Christ as the center of my life

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Hey Jade.
      Love your language:
      distractions… desires … decenter!
      May we both.

    2. Mercy says:

      ❤️❤️❤️

  14. Rhonda J. says:

    GM!

    Restore! Restoration! Restoring! It is one of my favorite words to use when thinking of the power of the Lord! He is the God of restoration!I seem to use it as my key word when praying for people, or telling of testimonies. I SEE it in my life, and others that I mentor lives! Just recently on Sunday, we went to hang out with Stacy at her new place. I was very interested to see how it would reflect “where” she is truly, not just “what” she tells me in our texting communication. Once I got there, and was pleasantly surprised by the way, she told us her son was coming to spend the day there as well! This really perked my ears, to get to witness what this relationship looks like after she had spent his whole 10 years of life with a drug addiction, homeless, and in and out of jail. BUT GOD, the sweetest boy walked in, and there was a palpable love between them. He was the most mature, sweet, well spoken boy (can quote Psalm 23 may I add!) and even said that his dad and grandma said he need to build (restore) his relationship with his mom. (heartmelt!!) God can restore all things. The ladies I minister to have broken all relationships, BUT God can do it, it takes time and hope, and patience and love, But God can do it! Stacey still has a 16 yr old daughter she is praying for a restoration with, I am believing God will work.

    I am believing for restoration in your relationships as well She’s! Don’t stop praying, don’t stop believing! The devil loves to break and divide, but I know Jesus wants unity within his children. Many times it takes “not seeing clearly” to realize our need for a Savior! Amen to that. We don’t know how good we have it, until we don’t as the saying goes!

    Happy Tuesday, have a blessed day!

    1. Wendy B says:

      What a beautiful story! Praise the Lord for His mighty work ❤️

    2. Mari v says:

      Beautiful and praying for Stacy’s 16 year old daughter.

    3. Laura says:

      Gosh, I just love hearing these stories of Stacy’s restoration. Thank you!

    4. Mercy says:

      I saw the heart of the Father that you carry Rhonda. Such tenderness- your superpower- when you come to the lost. Joining in prayers for restoration of relationships over Staci, and reconciliation and healing over families, communities, nations.

    5. Cathy McVey says:

      What a beautiful story. Definitely a God thing. I love how your restoration story has come full circle and your using it to lead others to restoration as well. Continuing to pray for Stacy and her children and praise God for that dad and grandma’s encouragement to her son to build their relationship. So good. Maybe someday Stacy will be joining you in your jail ministry! What a testimony she will have! Have a blessed day!

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        She actually has already said that she wants to join our ministry team to go back there and encourage them!! She has to wait a year before being eligible!! I cannot wait!! She has gone to homeless with me a few times to help talk and pray for them as others hand out the food. She is amazing! You just never know if she is “for real” with us, but letting us come to her place assured me. And seeing her interactions with her wonderful son!! Amazing! (and yes, kudos to a praying and teaching Jesus grandma!!)

        I hope to have many other stories of restoration of our butterflies in the future! I praise God for giving me this way of serving!! It is more than I could have dreamed. I have been finding and writing the ones that when on to prison….and all of them have said how excited to get a letter from me, and have said they are in a faith based program in prison, and they thank us for helping them in jail when they needed it!! I think our prayers work more than we know. (Thank you Catherine for being on our prayer team!!) They probably don’t have many Godly people in their lives writing to encourage them. It sure changes your perspective on people they have been in jail or drug problems.

    6. Carol J Mylin says:

      Wonderful word pictures of Stacy’s reunion…with her son… thankful you were there to witness it! God is so good! Praying that Stacy’s life continues to come “full circle” with restoration with her daughter, as well!! Blessings, Dear Friend! ♥️

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        That comment was for all of you all! Thank you for continuing to pray for her and her family. It is definitely a struggle to make it from scratch with no help from family.

  15. Cee Gee says:

    Gotta run for now, but have to share what stood out to me this morning:
    There is one God, the Father,

    by whom all things were created,

    and for whom we live.

    And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ,

    through whom all things were created,

    and through whom we live.
    NLT
    ~~~~
    By and through – amen. Through Him we have the power to be conquerors. Prayers going up sisters! ❤❤

  16. Lauren Ruhe says:

    Amen! ♥️

  17. Laura says:

    Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
    This verse gave me the strength to keep going when I felt like my life had just fallen apart. I had been praying for so long for healing for my marriage, and when instead, my husband confesses his affair, without this verse to hold me up, I would have folded. This is not the way my prayer was supposed to be answered. But I clung to it and believed it. God is NOT surprised by anything. And in His mercy, He revealed to me, saying to me while I was crying out to Him, “It was the only way.” I know that God is God, and of course He could have instantly healed our relationship and our family. But I understood. This was the only way to truly humble my husband, to start to change his heart, AND to bring me into an even deeper relationship with our Lord. Never have I felt so close to Him during those dark times. Never. I will always cherish that. We are eight years past this deep valley. It has continued to be an uphill climb. Many more obstacles to overcome. Many more areas to heal. But it is happening. And my faith is stronger. We have shared our story with those we feel led to share with. My kids have witnessed what true forgiveness looks like, and reconciliation, and also steadfastness in marriage vows. They have seen their strong, confident father demonstrate humility. God has and is working in our family, and this verse has stayed with me throughout. He is before all things, and through Him, ALL things hold together. Amen.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Amen! The struggle makes us strong and able to see things more clearly and appreciate the restoration that comes. It is a testimony that you all didn’t just go your separate ways which is the simple, and wordly way. It is a testimony to share for sure, even though it is not fully repaired it is truly telling of your faith to stay and work through it as God would have you do. Following Him is NOT easy, but trust and obey. Obedient children we are to be. Thank you for sharing.

    2. Wendy B says:

      The restoring power of Jesus knows no limits. Praise Him for His tender loving faithful work and restoration in your lives.❤️

    3. Lanie H says:

      Pregnant lady crying over here now. So beautiful. I had a youth group leader growing up whose husband had an affair with another woman in the church, and they confessed in front of the whole church. I remember her just sitting in our Sunday school room crying. And she chose to stay. I was probably 10-12 years old, and that moment had such a profound impact on my life on the power of God’s restoration. I wrote her as one of the most influential women in my life on some assignment in college, and guarantee she has no idea. On the contrast we had a “fun” youth group leader couple that were young and had “the perfect marriage” that everyone was best friends with. She owned a dance studio and I used to be jealous I wasn’t in their group. When I left, never thought about her again. I found out recently she had an affair with a young dancer, and their marriage has fallen apart. Anyways. I say all this to say, you may have no idea how far your impact has spread.

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        So True Lanie!! We will never know our impact!! SO stay strong in the Lord and your eyes on him, not those around you! People watch how you respond to trials, afflictions, being cheated, being lied about, all of it! And though of course we will sin, that too matters that we own up to it, and show we know God forgives although others may not.

    4. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Your “story” is such a testament to God’s amazing grace! Thank you for sharing it once again. God has done such a wonderful work through it all. All praise and glory to Him! ❤️

    5. Mercy says:

      Thank you Laura for your heart felt testimony, may we choose to forgive at the cost of our pain. I just can’t imagine the depth of such trial. The Lord knows that forgiveness is the path that we all must walk.

    6. Cathy McVey says:

      Thank you for sharing this again Laura. Your testimony will be a blessing and encouragement to someone you may never know. Praying for you and complete restoration for your family. May God continue to bless and heal your marriage until you have complete restoration. ❤️

    7. Stephanie Campbell says:

      I’m

  18. Sally B. says:

    Today’s verses remind me of John 1, as John describes who Jesus is – in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, so we could see a physical example of the Father before us (the Light of the world, full of grace and truth). The world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him – we rejected Him and went our own way. Running hard after our self-centered desires and as fast in the opposite direction as we could. But God was not content to leave us that way so Jesus shed His blood on the cross so we could be made children of God.
    How astounding is this, Ladies? May God keep our focus on Him today and everyday, and there be gratitude overflowing our hearts for His rich blessings!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Amen! Love it Sally B!

    2. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Amen! ❤️

  19. Linda in NC says:

    Good morning sisters! I’m still a day behind in my reading. Someone yesterday ask about my family. Everyone from FL to NC is safe. Most in SW FL suffered water damage to their homes as did those in SW GA. My brother’s description of Greenwood SC was “it is devastated. My sil’s
    memorial service was postponed indefinitely. My sister and niece were able to get back to Garner NC on Sat. My brother left Greenwood on Sun to stay with his daughter in Winston Salem. It is heartbreaking to know lives lost, towns & homes destroyed. Major crops lost…apple, pecan, Christmas trees across uprooted across @ least 3 states (takes years for them to mature)That doesn’t count planted fall crops and businesses gone. Many people will have no way to make a living.
    So many ways to pray and help.
    Thankful for all the many groups and individuals bringing necessities and feet on the ground.
    We don’t realize how much we have and
    count on until it’s gone
    Gene’s urology appt was postponed until today @10.
    Love each of you. Continued prayers for all❤

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Thank you so much for this update! Yes, do what we can. We are donating through our church. Doesn’t feel like enough, but orders are for people to stay off the roads. Love you and pray for Gene’s appointment.

    2. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Linda, thank you for the update on your family and also on the damages of the storm. There is so much effected that we don’t think about, like the facts you brought up about the crops being destroyed, also the roads that are not fit for travel…so much more damage than we can see or comprehend. Much prayers for all! ❤️

  20. G says:

    A few years ago, vision insurance added something new that applied to my situation. For anyone whose vision requires contact correction of +/-10.0, contacts are medically necessary. This means their glasses would be +/-11 or more due to the distance from the eye. Technically not legally blind, but glasses are super expensive and do not provide peripheral vision, and yes, I need my glasses to find my glasses! Since contacts are medically necessary, I pay a $20 copay per year for daily disposables to be able to see clearly. Now that I am in need of multifocal lenses, we are constantly trying something new to help me see both near and far without having to wear super heavy glasses with a tiny focal point. This analogy of Christ improving our vision is not lost on me.

    1. Adrienne says:

      Maybe you have already considered it, and I don’t know the depth here… I have “mono vision” contacts, where one eye is corrected for distance, and one is corrected for reading. My brain figured it all out (even with my toric lenses)… amazing! Something to consider if not considered/tried yet.
      .
      And… side note… I MAY have had 20/20 vision when I was, like, five or something! (I have worn contacts for over 40 years and glasses for a few years before that. Look forward to perfect vision in heaven!
      .
      And… do you remember memorizing Colossians 1:17 with SRT? I do!

      1. G says:

        We tried monovision when I turned 40, lol. It worked temporarily. The biggest issue is that multifocal contacts are not made in the near-sighted power that I need (really -10.5 or more) so we go with -10/+1.25. It’s a mess and the eye dr has given up on offering lasik until I have cataracts. I refuse on the grounds that I’ve worn corrective lenses since I was 6 and lasik isn’t permanent.

        1. Adrienne says:

          ❤️

  21. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Eyeglasses throughout the home and car – boy can I relate to that! I have distance glasses, reading glasses, sun glasses – all because of blurred vision, what a praise to know that when it comes to the gospel, all I need is Jesus to give me clarity of sight!
    _____________
    Whenever I read in scripture that I am faultless – it totally blows my mind! I know me – I know my sinful nature, I know my sin and ALL my faults. Yet Jude 24 reminds me that I will be presented faultless before the glorious presence of God!!!
    Me – who was once an enemy and alienated from God, made pure and spotless, without fault – ONLY made possible by the precious blood of Christ that was spilled out for me.
    Thank you Father God!! All praise and glory be to You – the only God our Savior and to you be all glory, majesty, power and authority! Praise your holy name!! (Jude 25)
    ____________
    Have a blessed Tuesday sweet she’s! Continued prayers for all your requests, and much prayers for all who are facing devastating loss due to the storm. ❤️❤️❤️

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, Thank you Father…all Glory to YOU!

  22. Stephanie McNutt says:

    Amen

  23. Taylor Szprejda says:

    Thank you Lord for being with me even in the blurriness I experience.

    1. R says:

      It’s only when I read the Word does the
      blurriness go away!The scripture says that
      ” the entrance of your Word brings light”.
      David said in speaking of his enemies ” when I went into your sanctuary Then(emphasis mine)
      understood I their end”.We must keep opening our bibles She’s, so that the
      blurriness and dark
      clouds will fade away
      as we keep our eyes on
      Him! He is our exceeding great reward
      and He has promised to open the “eyes” of our heart so that we may see Him! Praying for all affected by the storm knowing that nothing catches Him
      unawares and that He is able!!

  24. Aimee D-R says:

    Amen and amen!

  25. Kelly (NEO) says:

    “all things have been created through him and for him”
    .
    That includes you and me, dear sisters! Your and I were made by and for Jesus. We have a purpose.
    .
    God not only has a plan for us, but He planned for us.
    .
    “He has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him.”
    .
    Continuing to pray for those suffering from Helene’s distruction. Praying God’s people raise up to be His hands and feet to them.
    .
    TAYLOR – praying the Lord gives you wisdom about your job situation and peace.
    .
    ALEIDA – praying the Lord will move mightily on Victor’s behalf to meet his needs. Praying that peace would reign in your and heart. Praying for God’s compassion to flood your husband’s heart.
    .
    Update: new employee is doing great, working independently yet asking good clarifying questions. Thankful for her. Meetings this week to decide on which of the other candidates to hire.

    1. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Amen!…praise the Lord the new employee is doing great! Praying wisdom for deciding the new hire.

    2. Mercy says:

      Praise the Lord. I am so glad to hear the update.

  26. Donna Mitchell says:

    Amen

  27. Tricia C says:

    This song came to mind today. Have a wonderful Tuesday, Sisters. ❤️

    Worth is the Lamb

    Thank You for the cross, Lord;
    Thank You for the price You paid;
    Bearing all my sin and shame,
    In love You came,
    And gave amazing grace.

    Thank You for this love, Lord;
    Thank You for the nail-pierced hands;
    Washed me in Your cleansing flow,
    Now all I know
    Your forgiveness and embrace.

    Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne;
    Crown You now with many crowns,
    You reign victorious.
    High and lifted up, Jesus Son of God,
    The Darling of Heaven crucified;
    Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb.

    1. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      ❤️

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      I love that song. So good.

    3. Susan Richardson says:

      ❤️