In what ways can Christians implement the call to "rule" in their communities? Understanding the Call to Rule “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.’” (Genesis 1:28) • The word “rule” here carries the ideas of stewardship, governance, and caring oversight, never selfish domination. • Psalm 8:6 echoes the mandate: “You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet.” • Authority is God-given, but always exercised under His ultimate kingship (Romans 13:1). Principles Behind Godly Rule • Servant-leadership: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26-28) • Justice and mercy: “What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) • Humble example, not coercion: “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Christ-centered aim: all is done “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) Practical Ways to Exercise Dominion in Our Communities Family • Model biblical marriage and parenting, shaping the next generation to love God and neighbor (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Workplace • Pursue excellence, honesty, and creativity; influence corporate culture for integrity (Ephesians 6:7-8). • Mentor younger employees, opening doors for them. Civic Life • Vote prayerfully, serve on local boards, attend town-hall meetings, and advocate righteous policies (Jeremiah 29:7). • Consider public office as a venue for godly service (Romans 13:4). Church • Lead small groups, teach children, or administer ministries with diligence (Romans 12:8). • Equip believers to engage culture with a biblical worldview (Ephesians 4:11-12). Mercy & Justice • Launch or support food banks, pregnancy resource centers, foster-care ministries, and addiction recovery programs (James 1:27). Creation Care • Organize neighborhood clean-ups, promote responsible resource use, and steward local parks—practical obedience to the Eden mandate. Culture-Making • Produce art, music, literature, and media that reflect truth and beauty (Philippians 4:8). • Build businesses that create jobs and treat employees with dignity. Spiritual Warfare • Form prayer walks, intercede for schools and officials, and proclaim the gospel in public spaces (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Education • Support Christian schools or homeschooling co-ops; volunteer in public schools to model light and truth (Matthew 5:16). Guardrails for Keeping Dominion Godly • Accountability structures—elders, mentors, boards. • Regular heart checks against pride (Galatians 5:22-23). • Transparent financial practices. • Ongoing study of Scripture to recalibrate motives (Psalm 119:105). Results God Intends • Human flourishing: “When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice.” (Proverbs 29:2) • A credible gospel witness (Matthew 5:14-16). • Order, justice, and peace in society (Isaiah 32:17). • Foretaste of our future reign with Christ: “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:12) Encouragement to Begin Today Start where you are: home, work, neighborhood. Small, faithful acts of stewardship accumulate into wide-reaching influence. The same God who commissioned Adam empowers you by His Spirit to rule well for His glory and your community’s good. |
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