Made for Dominion

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’

“So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them.

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food…’ And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:26-31

When God created man, He had spent eternity planning, and the first five days of creation preparing, a world for His crown jewel. With perfect order and precision, He established a world- heavens, earth, seas, vegetation, heavenly lights, animals- over which mankind would rule, and in which he would fulfill his exquisite, divine purpose. Though everything was made by the breath of God, only man received His breath of life and the command to rule creation. (Genesis 1:1-25; 2:7)

Man was not made first so he could have a say in creation, nor boast pride in the design of things. Man was made last, as the resplendent climax of God’s magnificent work, so he would bring the blessing of satisfaction and “very good.” Man was created in detail and function and placed into God’s world as earthly regent over all that was.

It is a strong flesh impulse to desire control- to order days and lives just so, manage them to our liking, and eliminate friction, obstacles, and difficulties. But this is God’s world, and as servants assigned dominion over it, we must not be manipulators or despots for our own ends. (Psalm 24:1; Luke 12:48)

When individuals abuse authority fueled by pride and selfishness, God mercifully steps in. Harsh consequences and disorder abound when we turn rightful authority upside down. Prone to haughtiness and entitlement? Remind ourselves repeatedly whose we are, how great He is, and that we have nothing He has not given. He is the owner of all, King of kings and Lord of lords. We are merely His servants. (Ezra 1:2; Psalm 50:10-12; Daniel 4:28-37; Haggai 2:8; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Revelation 19:16)

How careful and focused are we as stewards of God’s gifts and grace? How can we manage our resources differently to better reflect His order and purposes? How might we exercise our dominion over time and finances to more intentionally upbuild God’s kingdom and multiply spiritual fruit? How honorably are we caring for His creation? What truth, light, and love do we sow to reap hope, salvation, and life transformation? (1 Peter 4:10)

Lord, make me a faithful steward of the dominion You’ve appointed. May I spend every breath for crowns to offer You in heaven, that Your name be held high and exalted in my life. (1 Corinthians 3:10-14)