The Preeminence of God
The Preeminence of God: How Divine Authority Shapes Our Actions
The previous articles explored the profound mystery of God's transcendence—His existence beyond the confines of time, space, and human comprehension. We now turn to a related but distinct concept of God's preeminence. While transcendence highlights God's absolute ontological difference, preeminence focuses on His supreme authority and unwavering power over all creation.
The scriptures affirm His preeminence. Consider the words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:17, who reminds us that "He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." This isn't just a theological statement but a fundamental truth shaping our reality. The very fabric of existence depends on Him. Just as a magnificent cathedral relies on the intricate design and mastery of its architect, so too does the universe and all within it rely upon God's foundational preeminence. This understanding transcends the personal, permeating and impacting every aspect of existence.
Colossians 1:18 further deepens this understanding, positioning Jesus as the head of the church and the cornerstone of our faith. His preeminence extends beyond creation to the spiritual realm, influencing our relationships, guiding our actions, and inspiring our worship. It extends beyond the walls of our church buildings, through the doors, and into every facet of human life. God's preeminence beckons us to submit to His will in all areas of life through faith in Him. This profound authority is evident throughout the Psalms. The psalmist declares in Psalm 95:3, "For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods." This isn't mere passive acceptance; it's a pathway to prioritizing God's will in our lives. In other words, this is not simply ascending to a higher intellectual plane. This is about shifting our priorities to align with God's kingdom instead of worldly pursuits. We must ask ourselves: What am I putting above God’s will and authority? Am I putting something above His will unintentionally?
Isaiah 46:9-10 further reinforces this idea, stating God's ability to orchestrate history according to His divine purpose. He declares the end from the beginning, orchestrating events with powerful intent. In our daily lives, remembering this sovereignty grounds us in the midst of uncertainty. It encourages trust in the midst of our struggles and reassures us that God is in control. This draws us to a deeper and richer understanding of His character and helps us establish a strong relationship with Him. This understanding of God's preeminence lays the foundation for an active and conscious partnership with His work. Revelation 4:11, as we noticed last week, encapsulates the purpose of our creation. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Knowing this creates a sense of motivation to live a life of worship. Our actions—how we live, behave, and respond to challenges—reveal both our worship and our understanding of God's preeminence.
Living under God's preeminence isn't about rigid rules or restrictions. It's about consciously recognizing God's authority and submitting to His authority in our daily choices. It's about aligning our actions with His will, moving from intellectual comprehension to the practical application of His preeminence. This process challenges us to examine areas where we might be giving undue importance to worldly pursuits so that we may submit to God's preeminence over our lives.
~ Casey Clement
>PS. Recognizing His authority opens the door to deeper faith. Knowing this, each day this week, consider one thing that you place above or are tempted to place above His will and authority and earnestly pray for God’s strength to overcome it.