Why CIA Life Makes Sense
CIA Life – it isn’t a catchy slogan. It’s not a fad that’s here one day and gone the next. It’s a declaration of the most fundamental truth in the universe. Which makes it the only way to truly live.
The truth is, Christ is the King of all kings (Revelation 17:14). He is the Lord of all lords (Revelation 19:16). He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13). He is the sustainer all things (Colossians 1:7). In everything he must be first (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 3:17). This isn’t me coming up with these titles. They’re written all over Scripture. And, they show that a CIA Life – where Christ is all – is the only reality that makes sense.
Paul in Colossians writes of Christ’s preeminence, stating “that in everything, he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18). The Greek word here for preeminent, proteuo, translates to “hold the first place.” Think about that. In a universe sprawling beyond comprehension, Christ doesn’t just occupy a place; he occupies THE place, the first place, above all else. And, this isn’t just in some things. This is in all things, which encompasses every aspect of creation and existence. From the smallest particle of dust to the vast galaxies of our universe he’s at the top. And, it isn’t even close.
Just check out this breathtaking picture of his authority: Christ is seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:20-21). Notice the Scripture doesn’t just say “above,” but rather “far above.” No one comes close to Jesus. And, don’t miss this – his superiority isn’t just for now, it stretches into eternity since he has ultimate rule, authority, power, and dominion not just now, but in the age to come. Every throne will bow to him (Philippians 2:10). Every power will answer to him (2 Corinthians 5:10). After all he is named, “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14). This isn’t a symbolic title; it’s a declaration of absolute authority. Jesus is not a king. He is THE King. Jesus is not a lord. He is THE Lord. His reign is absolute.
Scripture also notes Christ as the sustainer of all things. “In him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). Not just some things – all things. Hebrews 1:3 describes Christ as the one who “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Pause for a moment and let that sink in. Every moment, every breath, every motion – it’s all sustained by him. The very synapses firing in your brain as you read these words? His sustaining power. Without him, everything –everything – would collapse.
That’s where he is not merely part of the story. He is the story. Jesus himself says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). From page one to the end it’s about Christ.
This is why CIA Life is not a mere suggestion. It’s a reality that permeates every aspect of existence. To live a life where Christ is all is to acknowledge the truth that he alone is worthy of our devotion. It’s to make him the purpose of your life. It’s to surrender to his absolute reign and enter a relationship built and fostered by his love.
It is inevitable. All knees, those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, will bow at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10). The question isn’t whether or not you’ll bow. It’s when. Living a CIA Life means bowing now, willingly, joyfully, lovingly, because you see him for who he is.
That’s why moment by moment attention to Jesus isn’t religious fanaticism. It’s the most rational response to reality one could have. When you get it – I mean really get it – that this person is literally holding your molecules together while simultaneously ruling over every power in existence, well, giving him your full attention starts to seem like the only sane option.
Living a CIA Life proclaims the truth that matters: Christ is all. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the sustainer of the universe, the preeminent one, and the Savior and lover of your soul. So why wait? Why not live now, moment by moment, in the truth that Jesus is worthy of it all? For he is the story. And, when you live with him as your all, you’ll find that your story finally makes sense.