Dominion and Stewardship

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From the beginning of time, the Creator placed humanity in a position of responsibility and authority over the earth. In Genesis 1:26–28, we read that God made man in His image and likeness and gave him dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the livestock, the earth, and everything that moves upon it. Dominion was not merely about ruling—it was about representing God’s character, will, and purpose on earth. Dominion is authority, but authority comes with responsibility, and that responsibility is called stewardship.

Dominion speaks of the authority given to humanity to govern and influence creation. Stewardship speaks of the accountability to manage what has been entrusted to us according to God’s will. The two cannot be separated. Authority without responsibility becomes abuse. Responsibility without authority becomes frustration. God designed dominion and stewardship to work hand in hand so that His purposes would be fulfilled in the world.

Dominion: God’s Design for Believers

When God gave Adam dominion, it was not a license to exploit creation for selfish gain. It was a mandate to act as God’s representative on earth—to reflect His nature of love, justice, order, and care. Dominion is about alignment with God’s will, not the pursuit of personal ambition.

Sadly, the fall distorted humanity’s understanding of dominion. Instead of governing with wisdom, people began to dominate for selfish purposes. Instead of caring for creation, they began to exploit it. This is why true dominion must be restored in the life of every believer through submission to God’s authority. Only when we are under His rule can we rule rightly.

True dominion means:

1. Authority over sin – Romans 6:14 declares that sin shall not have dominion over you.
2. Victory over darkness – Luke 10:19 assures that we have authority over all the power of the enemy.
3. Influence in the world – Matthew 5:14 calls believers the light of the world, meant to shine and lead others to truth.

Dominion begins in the heart. You cannot rule outside if you cannot rule inside. Self-control, discipline, and obedience to God are the foundation of godly authority. A believer who does not steward their own life cannot steward the earth.

Stewardship: The Heart of Responsibility

Stewardship means recognizing that everything belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” A steward is not an owner, but a caretaker. The resources we have—time, talents, finances, opportunities, and relationships—are all entrusted to us by God.

There are several areas where believers are called to be faithful stewards:

1. Stewardship of Creation
   The earth is not ours to abuse; it is God’s masterpiece entrusted to us. The way we treat nature reflects our respect for the One who made it. Pollution, wastefulness, and carelessness dishonor God’s creation. On the other hand, protecting the environment, using resources wisely, and promoting sustainability show that we value what He has entrusted to us.
2. Stewardship of Time
   Time is a gift that cannot be recovered once lost. Ephesians 5:16 urges us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” We must use our days for purposes that glorify God, avoiding laziness and distractions that rob us of fruitfulness.
3. Stewardship of Talents
   Every believer has been given gifts and abilities, not for personal fame but for the building of God’s kingdom. Hiding your gift or using it for selfish ends is neglecting your stewardship. Instead, develop your skills, serve others with them, and let them be channels through which God’s glory is revealed.
4. Stewardship of Finances
   Wealth is not evil; the love of money is. God gives resources so we can meet our needs, help others, and advance His purposes. Giving generously, managing resources wisely, and avoiding debt are all parts of faithful financial stewardship.
5. Stewardship of the Gospel
   The greatest treasure given to us is the message of salvation. We are stewards of the truth, and we will give an account of how we shared it. Remaining silent when we should speak is poor stewardship.

The Balance Between Dominion and Stewardship

Dominion without stewardship turns into pride and oppression. Stewardship without dominion becomes weak and ineffective. God’s plan is for His people to walk in both—strong in authority, yet humble in responsibility.

Consider the example of Joseph in Egypt. God gave him authority, but he used it as a wise steward to save nations from famine. His dominion was expressed through faithful service, not selfish control.

Another example is Daniel in Babylon. He had influence in the king’s palace, yet he never compromised his integrity. His dominion came from his faithfulness to God, and his stewardship was evident in his wisdom, humility, and devotion.

The Final Accountability

One day, every believer will stand before the Lord to give an account of how they used the authority and resources He gave them. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us that God expects multiplication, not stagnation. The faithful stewards were rewarded with greater authority. The unfaithful one lost even what he had.

This means that how we live now matters eternally. Our daily choices—how we treat people, how we manage our resources, how we use our influence—are all part of our stewardship.

Walking in Dominion and Stewardship Today

If we are to walk in dominion and stewardship today, we must:

1. Submit to God’s authority – We cannot exercise godly dominion unless we are under His rule.
2. Live with eternal perspective – Decisions should be guided by eternity, not temporary gain.
3. Be faithful in the small things – Stewardship begins with what is in our hand right now.
4. Seek wisdom – Dominion requires discernment to lead, govern, and decide rightly.
5. Serve with humility – Authority is not for self-exaltation but for service.

A Call to Action

Believer, you were not created to drift through life without purpose. You were called to rule and manage, to influence and preserve, to multiply and protect. Your words carry weight. Your actions carry influence. You have been entrusted with much—both spiritual and natural resources.

Ask yourself today:

• Am I ruling over my emotions, desires, and habits?
• Am I managing my time, talents, and treasures in a way that pleases God?
• Am I using my authority to serve others and bring glory to God?

The world needs believers who walk in their God-given authority but are also faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to them. When dominion and stewardship meet, heaven’s order is reflected on earth. People are blessed. God is glorified. And His purposes are fulfilled.

Let us rise to the call. Let us govern our lives with discipline, lead our communities with righteousness, and care for the earth with reverence. Let us be found faithful stewards who exercised godly dominion—not for our own glory, but for the glory of the One who entrusted us with all things.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting me with authority and responsibility. Teach me to walk in humility and wisdom. Help me to manage my time, talents, and resources faithfully. Give me the courage to exercise godly dominion and the grace to be a faithful steward in all things. May my life bring glory to You and advance Your purposes on the earth. Amen.

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