Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation. Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see-kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together. Christ is the head of the church, which is his body. He is the first of all who will rise from the dead, so that he is first in everything.
In my dictionary there are 33 definitions for the word “head”. But the one that most closely matches to the use in this verse is ” the place of leadership, honor, or command.” You will notice that it does not say “a place”, but “the place”. There is only one head. There is only one leader. There is only one in command. In our desire to have significance in this world, that may bother some. But for me, it is quite reassuring.
I want to know that there is no confusion in leadership in our church. I need to know that there is a true leader that I can depend on. And I am secure in knowing that in Christ’s perfection, I do not have to worry about him leading us in the wrong direction, or failing us in any way. Our minds and hearts can rest assured that he is in control, and that all that occurs in our lives is part of his plan.
created through him
Since Christ is the creative force in this universe, we can depend on his power. He spoke all of creation into being. He created something out of nothing. He demonstrated his amazing power through everything that was made, and that includes nature, you, me, and our church. At first thought we may think that 150 years ago some folks got together and decided to start a church on this land and call it Mount Tabor Baptist Church. There are old pictures that show the development and growth of this church through the years. But if you think that this church began because a few people decided to start it years ago, you are wrong. God is the one that decided to start this church, and God is the one that keeps it going. This was not man’s idea. It was a result of man’s obedience to God’s idea. And as long as we acknowledge God as the head still of this body, she will continue to fulfill his purpose for her existence.
created for him
Verse 16 goes on to tell us that all things are created for him. What does that mean in the life of our church? It means that he has purpose for us. I was taught years ago that the purpose of my life was to know Christ, and to make him known. If our church can provide avenues to do those two things, we are fulfilling the role he has for us in life. Our job is to get to know him better. We do that by worshipping him together. We do that by meeting with him privately on a consistent basis. You may wonder what the church has to do with an individual’s private time with God. Well, where else but the church will you get the foundation you will need to understand God’s word in private? Where else will you find resources to help you grow in your time with him? And where else will you find brothers and sisters to hold you accountable and lift you up in prayer? Yes, the church can help us know him better both privately and publicly.
The church can and should also help us to make Christ known to the world around us. Her role is not to just offer a service that anyone can come to and hear about how to trust Christ for salvation. Her role is to prepare the body to go out into the world to share Christ. We need to offer training and experience in evangelism. Not a slick presentation, but a simple explanation of the truth. We need to equip the body with all they need to be salt and light to the world around them at work, school and recreation. We, as a body, need to listen to our head, Christ, and follow his example. He lived out the gospel in everything he said and did. We should do the same. Our body should follow and head and do the same.
What would be the result in this world if the church recognized and followed Christ as the head of the body? Verse 18 tells us the end result–that he might come to have first place in everything. He alone can hold this position because of the ultimate sacrifice that he gave on the cross. And God will see to it that Christ receives all the glory that is due him. It is to Christ that every knee will bow in heaven and on earth, and every tongue will confess him as Lord. He is the only one that is worthy of this honor and glory. What a privilege to be a part of that crowd that proclaims him the head of the body and the ruler of the earth. I cannot wait to hear that confession as it rises through the galaxy! And it all starts in our individual heart and lives. It continues to our church as a whole. And it ultimately reaches every living creature. All because of who Christ is. All because of who we are under his authority. All because we are his body and he is our head. Let’s live our lives like this is the truth.
quiz yourself
- Do I live my life as one who believes Christ is head of the church?
- What am I doing to get to know Christ better?
- What am I doing to make Christ known to the world around me?
- Does Christ have first place in my life?
prayer
Lord Jesus, it is all about you. Help me to remember that truth as I go through this life. Help me to live my life like one who acknowledges you as my head, and submits to your will. I want to be all that you want me to be here in this church and in this community. Help me to grow and trust you in every area of my life. I love you, Amen.