John Doerr, an original board member of Google and Amazon, once introduced the concept of OKRs—Objectives and Key Results. He described OKRs as a way to surface primary goals, channel efforts, and bring unity to an organization.
For the believer, our ultimate OKR is clear: Know and grow in Christ. Everything in life—our purpose, transformation, and endurance—flows from this reality. But change is hard. The Colossian church struggled with a heresy that diminished Christ’s supremacy, seeking loopholes in His authority and sufficiency. Paul wrote to them, making one thing clear:
Christ is to reign supreme in the lives of those who claim to follow Him.
In Colossians 1:15-19, Paul presents four undeniable truths about Christ. Any rejection of these should cause us to examine if we truly know Him.
Christ Is the Image of God
“He is the image of the invisible God…” (Colossians 1:15a)
Jesus is not merely a reflection of God—He is God. Hebrews 1:3 affirms this, stating that Christ is the “exact representation” of God’s nature. If we truly desire to know God—His will, His love, His power—we must look at Christ.
Moses once cried out, “Show me Your glory!” (Exodus 33:18-20), yet God told him no one could see Him and live. But in Christ, God made Himself fully known.
If we claim to know God, our lives should reflect it. Do we live as those who truly know Him, or do we merely acknowledge Him in name? If we long to understand God’s character, we need only to look at Jesus.
Christ Is the Firstborn Over All Creation
“He is the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created…” (Colossians 1:15b-17)
The term “firstborn” does not mean Christ was created. Rather, it signifies His preeminence over all things. John 1:3 confirms that all things were made through Him.
Many people say, “I accept Jesus,” but do they recognize that Jesus is not part of creation—He is the Creator? Every mountain, ocean, galaxy, and molecule exists because of Him.
Psalm 89:27 calls the Messiah the highest of all kings, yet how often do we place created things—comfort, ambition, material possessions—above Him? He is not just first in time; He is first in rank.
And just as He sustains the universe, He can sustain us through every hardship.
Christ Is the Head of the Church
“And He is the head of the body, the church…” (Colossians 1:18)
Jesus’ authority is not limited to creation—He is also the Head of the church. Ephesians 1:22-23 tells us that God placed all things under Christ’s feet and made Him the supreme authority.
The church is not built on human leaders, personal preferences, or traditions. It is built on Christ alone.
A church that does not submit to Christ as its Head will lose its way. This is why our teaching, mission, and worship must align with His will. If Christ leads, the church must follow.
Christ Is the Fullness of God
“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” (Colossians 1:19)
In Christ, the entire nature of God exists. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied that the Messiah would be called Immanuel—God with us. Yet throughout history, people have tried to add to Jesus—through religious rituals, philosophies, or self-effort.
But Christ alone is sufficient.
We lack nothing when we are in Him. If we feel incomplete, it is not because Christ is lacking, but because we are searching elsewhere.
Who Is in Control?
Paul’s message to the Colossians is a call to self-examination. If Christ is truly supreme in our lives, nothing should take His place.
So, ask yourself:
• Who or what has displaced Christ as the authority in your life?
• Why has this happened?
• What is missing?
• What is controlling your decisions and desires?
• What knowledge of Christ do you need to deepen?
The supremacy of Christ is not just a theological concept—it is the foundation of our faith and the key to our transformation. May we live in a way that reflects this truth.