The apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Collosae argues that Christ should be placed first in the lives of all Christians. His reasoning for this is threefold.

1. Christ is the creator, there is nothing which exists which wasn’t created by him. As such, every man, woman and child belongs to him. This statement alone would be enough to show that Christ, through his commands, should be obeyed and first in our lives. After all, if he created us, he would know what is best for us. His commands would be in our best interests because he is good and loving. If he were not good and loving, there would be no order and our lives would be a permanent chaotic living hell, but the universe is orderly, and we have been placed in a small corner of it which is perfect for life to flourish.
2. Christ is not the creator, he is the sustainer of creation. The world was not just created and left to run like some clockwork toy, or set off like a firework as a product of a chain reaction. Christ keeps all of creation in a state of order, with every passing moment, that life can continue. Whether it is the Christian worshipping God, or the atheist arguing against God, Christ sustains both and allows both to exist.
3. If that were not enough to place Christ first in our lives, he is also the saviour of all who put their faith in him. Even as a good and loving God, he did not have to be crucified, to take our place, to take on the punishment due for our sins. As a good God, a holy God, he could’ve rightfully punished us for our sinful rebellion against him. Yet, he loved us so much that he was willing and able to do this.

With this in mind, all Christians should place Christ first in their lives. To glorify him rather than themselves, to do as he commands. As ultimately through glorifying him, we will find joy. Of course, if we haven’t placed our faith in him, we should, for without his Holy Spirit working in us, we are unable to keep his commands, and ultimately unable to place him first in our lives.

Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is has similar threads to his letter to the church in Collosae. In chapter 6, he argues that children should honour their parents. However, unlike the Collosian letter, his only argument is because it is a commandment from God. Why the different argument? I it’s possible the church in Ephesus was already familiar with the commandments, and why they should be kept. As commandments go, this commandment is part of the moral law, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, and so still relevant to Christians, even though the ceremonial law which dealt with forgiveness of sins had been fulfilled through the sacrifice made by Christ, of himself, on the cross.

1. You shall have no other gods before me…
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol…
3. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God…
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…
5. Honour your father and your mother…
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
10. You shall not covet…

Exodus 20:3-17

God had given these commands, not because he is some form of cosmic killjoy, but because these commandments are good for us. Even though they are all negative in language, they are all for our good. It is not just possible to be happy whilst keeping these commandments, but our happiness is only possible when we keep these commandments. Yet, as fallen, sinful, human beings, we cannot keep these commandments. Just as in his letter to the Collosians, these things are not possible unless the Holy Spirit is living in us, through faith in Jesus Christ, enabling us to keeps these commandments.