Putting Jesus in his rightful place. This was the issue which the church at Colossae wrestled with.

There was a plethora of other gods and spiritual beings to worship. The city was rife with syncretism: the belief that you can worship Jesus but need to supplement this by turning to other powers and authorities. If you get sick or want your business to flourish, then surely it's expedient to pay allegiance to these other powers and not just Jesus?

In Colossae Jesus was eminent. He had status. The fundamental question though was: is he pre-eminent? Yes, Jesus was important, just not all-important; adequate but not totally sufficient for every need.

Writing from a prison cell in Rome, Paul warns the new believers of the danger of turning to another Jesus. If they fail to heed his warning, their faith will unravel.

The New Testament letter to the Colossians has much to say to us today. It provides challenge, inspiration and a renewed focus to keep on living for Christ in our generation.

Is Christ pre-eminent in your life and mine?

Contributions by: Elizabeth McQuoid