What Impresses You?

This is from the Harris' brothers blog at The Rebelution.

There is a part of me that is dazzled by talent. At times certain artists, certain writers, certain athletes, or certain craftsmen can just take my breath away. This little girl had that affect on me, though I must admit to being heavily influenced by the cuteness factor. Still, it is impossible to deny that Emily Bear is impressive.

What impresses you? That was one of the questions my brother Josh asked attendees at the Next conference over Memorial Day weekend. I later found out that the question wasn’t planned — it wasn’t even in his notes. But he was speaking to us from Colossians, where Paul is joyfully proclaiming the preeminence of Christ. This is my attempt at expanding on that question and its implications. Please read the following passage of Scripture carefully. Think about what it says.

Colossians 1:15-19 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him.

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

When I watch Emily Bear play the piano, do I remember that she was created through Christ and for Christ? When my heart begins to admire an athlete’s talent, do I remind myself that in Him that athlete holds together? When I am confronted with the intellectual precision of a thinker, speaker, or communicator, do I use that as an opportunity to recall that Jesus is more accomplished, more masterful, more expert, more skillful, more excellent, more outstanding?

When I am impressed by anything on this planet, do I immediately turn and worship Jesus because in everything He is more impressive, more magnificent, more majestic, more imposing, more splendid, more spectacular, more grand, more awe-inspiring, more striking, more stunning, more breathtaking? Because that is what it means for Christ to be preeminent. That is what Paul is saying about Jesus.

What impresses you? And how do you take advantage of those moments to turn and worship your Savior? It is good to be impressed. We are wired to be blown-away by glory. But we only see pieces of glory in people — and they all point to the one who created all things, holds all things together, and is above and before everything.

Some questions for discussion:

What’s something that impresses you? It can be anyone or anything.

In light of Colossians 1:15-19, how does that person or thing demonstrate Christ’s preeminence? It may be obvious or it may require extended thought. There are few better ways to spend your time.