Finding the One Copy

Devotional: When Jesus Is at the Center
 
Scripture Focus
Colossians 1:15–20 (NASB 1995)
“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
 
 
 
Sermon Reflection
 
What We Heard & Received

This past Sunday, we were reminded of something both simple and deeply confronting: Jesus is the center of everything, and we are not.

Through Colossians 1:15–20, we were brought into a clear picture of who Christ is. He is not just part of the story. He is the story. He is central in creation, central in the Church, and central in salvation. Everything was made by Him, through Him, and for Him.  

And yet, if we’re honest, we often live as if the story revolves around us.

The message challenged us to consider how easily we “de-center” Jesus and place ourselves at the center instead. This shows up in subtle ways, wanting control, prioritizing comfort, comparing ourselves to others, or even withholding grace. The sermon described this as a kind of “main character” mindset, where our desires, our perspective, and our story take priority over God’s purposes.  

We saw this clearly in the life of Jonah. When Jonah made himself the center, everything became disordered: his priorities, his compassion, and even his relationship with God. And the same can happen to us. But the message didn’t stop there.

We were also shown the beauty of what happens when Jesus is rightly placed at the center. When He is central, everything begins to make sense: our purpose, our relationships, and even our mission. Most importantly, we are reminded that the story is not about us… but we are graciously invited into His story. And that invitation carries a responsibility:

To see “our one” that person God has placed in our life and to witness to them, not from a self-centered life, but from a Christ-centered one.  

This week, I need to ask myself an honest question: Who is really at the center of my life right now, Jesus, or me? If I’m honest, I can see areas where I’ve been living as the main character:

Making decisions based on comfort instead of calling
Withholding grace from others while expecting it for myself
Avoiding obedience when it feels inconvenient
Focusing more on my story than God’s mission

But this message calls me to something greater. I am not the center, but I am called to follow the One who is. So my response is to:

Reorder my heart so that Jesus is first
Release control and trust His authority
See people around me not as interruptions, but as assignments
Identify “my one” and intentionally move toward them

Because when Jesus is at the center, my life is no longer about me being seen
It becomes about Him being known.

Father,
Thank You for reminding me that You are the center of all things. Forgive me for the ways I have made life about myself, my comfort, my desires, and my control. Help me to see Jesus clearly this week, not just as Savior, but as Lord over every part of my life. Reorder my heart so that my priorities align with Yours. Give me the courage to let go of being the main character and the humility to follow where You lead. Place a burden on my heart for “my one” that person You have called me to love, serve, and share the gospel with.

Let my life reflect Your story, not mine.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Day 1: Re-center Your Heart

  Read Colossians 1:15–20
  Reflect: What does this passage reveal about who Jesus truly is?
  Ask: Where have I minimized His authority in my life?

Day 2: Identify “Your One”

  Write down one person God has placed on your heart
  Pray specifically for their salvation
  Ask God for opportunities to engage with them

Day 3: Check Your Priorities

  Reflect on your recent decisions
  Ask: Did I choose comfort or obedience?
  Surrender one area where you’ve been choosing yourself over God

Day 4: Practice Grace

  Show intentional grace to someone today
  Especially someone you may struggle with
  Remember: God’s generosity toward you should overflow to others

Day 5: Take a Step of Witness

  Initiate a conversation with “your one”
  Share your story, invite them to church, or simply ask how you can pray for them
  Trust God with the outcome

It is not bad news that you are not the center of the story; it is the best news you could ever receive. Because when Jesus is at the center, you don’t have to carry the weight of being everything…You simply get to follow the One who already is.