Genesis 1:26–28 ‘Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’ (v28b)
Rulers give ruling a bad name! Most people see the word ‘ruler’ and can think of leaders who rule poorly, especially in parts of the world where the rulers more concerned with keeping power than serving their people.
But there is a strong argument to say that we are all leaders with a small ‘l’. We do after all lead our lives, and if leadership is influence, as some suggest, then we all have some influence over those around us.
Adam and Eve were given real power to rule over creation under God. In the New Testament, we see that God’s people are to use their influence where God has placed them and will one day be rulers in the new heavens and new earth.
Taking a lead of course requires action, and too often we can passively accept how life is and what happens to us.
Sometimes there is little we can do, but we can choose to make a difference in the areas we have influence.
You may know the famous prayer: ‘God help me to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’
As you survey your personal world, maybe it’s time to do some leading with God, prayerfully and thoughtfully, so that life can change for yourself and for others.
A Prayer To Make:
‘I’m sorry, God, for blaming You when I should be sorting some things out myself. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Consider the areas of life with which you are dissatisfied and ask yourself if there’s something you could be doing to change things.
Scripture To Consider:
Judg. 5:1–9; Prov. 12:5–11; Mark 10:35–45; Rev. 5:6–10
