Gospel Gems
You Can’t Dominate The World Until You Are Dominated By God
In the pursuit of influence, success, and leadership, a profound truth remains often overlooked: You can’t dominate the world until you are dominated by God. This principle, deeply rooted in the fabric of Christian faith, challenges the conventional wisdom of our times, which prizes self-reliance above all. Yet, it holds the key to not only true leadership but also to a life of purpose, peace, and lasting impact.
The essence of being dominated by God lies in the complete surrender to His will, recognizing His sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:36). Acknowledging that every breath, every opportunity, and every success comes from Him is the first step toward genuine dominion over the world around us.
This principle is not about subjugation or loss of freedom; rather, it’s about finding our true purpose and strength in God’s plan for us. Jesus Himself exemplified this, stating, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). If the Son of God operated under the authority of the Father, how much more should we?
To be dominated by God means to be filled with His Spirit, leading to a life that reflects His character and priorities. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities are indispensable for anyone aspiring to influence and lead effectively. They breed trust, inspire loyalty, and build enduring relationships.
Moreover, being dominated by God imparts wisdom that is crucial for leadership. James 1:5 encourages believers, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Divine wisdom enables us to navigate complex situations, make decisions that honor God, and discern the best paths for the organizations, communities, or families we lead.
Surrender to God also entails a commitment to His Word, which becomes the standard by which all actions and decisions are measured. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). A leader dominated by God’s Word is equipped to lead with integrity, making choices that reflect divine principles rather than personal convenience or societal pressure.
Prayer is the communication channel that keeps us aligned with God’s will, making it an essential practice for those dominated by Him. Through prayer, we express our dependence on God, seek His guidance, and intercede for those we lead. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), Paul instructs, highlighting the continuous need for divine direction and empowerment.
Humility is another hallmark of being dominated by God. It counters the world’s view of leadership, which often equates dominance with arrogance or authoritarianism. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). Godly leadership is marked by humility, which not only draws the favor of God but also the respect and loyalty of people.
To be dominated by God is to embrace a life of service. Jesus taught and modeled servant leadership, washing the feet of His disciples as an act of humility and service. “But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister” (Mark 10:43). True dominion in the world comes not from exerting power over others but from serving them in love.
The path to dominion in the world—a dominion marked by lasting influence, righteous leadership, and transformative impact—begins with a life fully surrendered to and dominated by God. It’s a journey of continuous growth, humility, and service, guided by His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and sustained through prayer. As we submit to God’s dominion over our lives, we unlock the potential to lead and impact the world in ways that reflect His kingdom and glory. Let us then seek to be dominated by God, that we might truly dominate in the world for His purpose and honor.