colossians 1:26-29 - christ in all

This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me. [colossians 1:26-29]

the idea that christ is in everyone, regardless of who they are and what they believe is hard for many christians to grasp. but as paul says, it is a mystery. but for me, this is a great scripture and a great point of view - it tells me that no matter who i interact with, i must do so as if i am interacting with christ. if i hurt a person, i hurt christ; if i abuse someone, i abuse christ; if i insult someone, i insult christ. to me, this means i need to treat with respect. for some, this is hard because they like the idea of "us vs. them." for me, i would rather embrace the mystery and know that christ is all around.