16,17 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:16,17 (NASB)
Athlete, you have an advantage concerning your walk with Christ. You know what it means to submit to your head coach, to train and compete under his oversight and direction. You know how badly things can go when he is not in charge of the team.
Yet, in our personal lives we like our independence, our autonomy. The most basic trait of the human heart is expressed in a line of William Ernest Henley’s poem, Invictus: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
We have our reasons for independence – we think we know best, we want freedom, we like to have the final say. Today’s Bible passage presents a dilemma: Who is in first place? In our independent streak, we want a grip on first place.
The verses above refer to Jesus having a role in creating ALL things, including all rulers and authorities. They were all created for Him and He holds a position over all of them.
What does it mean to have Jesus as my authority? It means that I give Him the same place in my life as God gives Him in the universe – a place above every other person, place or thing in the universe.
Why should I make Jesus the authority and ruler of my life? One, because He proved His immeasurable love by dying on the cross to pay for my rebellion against God. Two, because He holds everything together.
Without His dominion, everything eventually falls apart, including my life.
Athlete, you recognize authority. Only Jesus is worthy of holding first place in your life.
