Thought for the day
As Christians, the concept of ruling and reigning on Earth is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Bible speaks of God’s original intention for humanity, the work of Jesus Christ, and the eventual establishment of God’s Kingdom. Here’s how we as Christians are meant to rule and reign on Earth:
1. The Original Mandate:
In the beginning, God gave humanity dominion over the earth. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve and told them to “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion… over every living thing.”
This was God’s plan for mankind to steward the earth and have authority over creation in a way that reflects His goodness and order.
2. Ruling with Christ’s Authority:
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, we as Christians are invited to share in Christ’s authority over the earth. Revelation 1:6 says that Jesus has “made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” This speaks of a spiritual authority, where we are called to represent God’s Kingdom on earth.
Romans 5:17 speaks of us as believers reigning in life through Jesus Christ, signifying that we as Christians, empowered by Christ’s grace, are meant to live victoriously and reflect God’s kingdom in our actions.
3. Righteousness and Justice:
We are called to rule with justice, mercy, and righteousness, just as God does. In Psalm 45:6-7, it speaks of the king’s scepter being a scepter of righteousness. We as Christians are meant to embody God’s character and rule justly in all areas of life: in personal relationships, communities, governments, and work.
4. Spiritual Authority:
We are given spiritual authority to overcome the powers of darkness. In Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy.” This authority is to be used to resist evil, bring about change, and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
5. Serving with Humility:
Christian leadership is not about lording over others but about serving them, as modeled by Jesus. In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus teaches that the greatest in the Kingdom of God are those who serve. This approach to ruling means exercising authority with humility and love, putting others’ needs above one’s own.
6. Living in Light of God’s Kingdom:
We as Christians are to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom, which is both a present and future reality. Matthew 6:33 encourages believers to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” meaning we should prioritize God’s rule in our lives, and trust that He will provide for us as we focus on His Kingdom.
7. Bringing Transformation:
We are meant to bring transformation to the world by being salt and light. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This means that we as Christians, through our actions, speech, and lifestyle, are meant to influence society in a positive way, reflecting God’s values.
8. Awaiting the Fulfillment of God’s Kingdom:
Ultimately, we as Christians should believe that God’s rule will be fully realized in the future when Christ returns and establishes His Kingdom in its fullness. Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” In this context, we are called to live with hope and anticipation for that future reality while participating in God’s Kingdom work now.
In summary, we are called to rule and reign on Earth by living under God’s authority, reflecting His justice and righteousness, exercising spiritual authority, serving others, and working to transform society in alignment with His Kingdom. This leadership is always rooted in humility, love, and the example set by Jesus Christ.
Erick Bouwmeester
#lovebeyondchurch
#lovebeyondwordsministry
#lovebeyondwords
