Every Inch?

 

It occurred to me that some of you may not be familiar with Abraham Kuyper, here is a brief bio:

Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) was a Dutch theologian, pastor, journalist, and statesman. He served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands (1901–1905) and founded the Free University of Amsterdam. Kuyper is remembered for his strong Reformed faith and his vision that all of life—politics, education, art, science, and society—belongs under the lordship of Jesus Christ. His famous idea of “sphere sovereignty” taught that each area of life (church, family, state, etc.) has its own God-given role and responsibility. 

August 26, 2025

Colossians 1:15–20


“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created... all things were created through him and for him... and in him all things hold together.”



“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’”
                                                                                                  Abraham Kuyper

 

Colossians 1:15–20 offers an incredible view of Jesus. Paul describes Christ as the Lord of all creation, the one by whom, through whom, and for whom everything was created. Paul's emphasis is clear: all things, visible and invisible, earthly and heavenly, sacred and secular, are held together in Jesus the Christ.

We sometimes act as though certain parts of life, like work, school, civic duties, technology, or leisure, are “neutral” or “secular” zones. For, Abraham Kuyper, the teaching of the Bible says that no part of life is neutral. Christ claims every aspect of human existence and is actively reclaiming it for His Kingdom. Probably my favorite quote from Kuyper is the following:

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’”

Consider the story of Lydia that was recently shared with me. Lydia was a successful bank executive in Toronto. She once believed that her faith had little to do with her job beyond personal ethics. But after attending a faith and work conference, she began asking: What does it mean for banking to serve God's Kingdom? She started mentoring younger colleagues, advocating for more ethical lending practices, and supporting micro-loans for under-resourced entrepreneurs. Her office became a place of prayer, encouragement, and justice. Her work became worship.

Lydia's story brings Kuyper’s vision to life: a faith that isn’t boxed in but one that is shaping every profession and pursuit with Christ’s love and lordship.

 
This theology is transformative, influencing how Christians vote, build families, design spaces, manage businesses, plant churches, and raise children. Declaring “Jesus is Lord” means recognizing His authority over every aspect of our lives, our schedules, finances, and callings.

 

This teaching of Scripture as interpreted through the insights of Abraham Kuyper cause me to ask:   

What areas of our life have we unconsciously labeled as “secular” or outside of God’s concern?

How does the lordship of Christ over all creation challenge the way we think about our daily work or community involvement?

What would change in our week if we truly believed Jesus says “Mine” over every moment and place we enter?

Give some thought to this over the next few days, regarding how you might answer these questions. It will be worthwhile. 


Let's Pray

Jesus, I confess that I often reduce Your lordship to religious spaces and spiritual matters. Open my eyes to see that every moment, every task, and every place belongs to You. Reign over my thoughts, my work, my conversations, and my habits. Help me reflect Your presence in every square inch I enter. May Your Kingdom come, in my life and in the world around me.
Amen.