The greatest problem affecting humanity is that we do not have control over our circumstances: 

• Banks dictate the terms of our mortgages and car loans.
• Employers determine our income.
• Grocery stores and restaurants decide what food is available to us.
• School systems shape our education.
• Pharmaceutical companies, doctors and clinics manage our health.

When faced with financial responsibilities like rent, car payments, utility bills, or medical expenses, we become stressed and overwhelmed because we lose control over our finances.

Stress is the leading global health concern, often linked to major diseases that lead to death; the global debt amount is the highest that it has ever been, and mental and emotional health issues have reached unprecedented levels in history. 

How can we be fully satisfied with our lives when we are controlled by the needs that are too challenging to fulfill on our own?

The Bible is supposed to be the solution to every life problem we face, yet, many who read and follow its teachings experience constant frustration, sadness, worry, fear, anger, hopelessness, sickness, chaos and confusion. Why?

The reason we’ve experienced consistent turmoil in our lives is because we are missing the key ingredient to solving all of our problems: God’s purpose. The good news is that God’s purpose grants us something we yearn for daily—the power to control our circumstances, our environment, and our lives.

It is critical that we understand God’s purpose, and realize that it never changes (Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 46:10). To unlock our power and live in accordance with God’s intention we must understand His “why.”

Why did God create the earth, and why did he create humanity?

God’s Purpose: The Kingdom

God, as the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16-17), governs His heavenly kingdom (Psalm 47:7-8). His purpose, or mission, has always been to extend His kingdom from Heaven to Earth, entrusting humans with the task of fulfilling this mission by giving us dominion to reign on the Earth—just as God reigns in Heaven. His vision is to create a new earth so that it reflects the morals, values, beliefs, and culture of Heaven (Isaiah 65:17).

God’s purpose for humanity is articulated in Genesis 1:26:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”

In essence, God wanted a copy of Himself, so he made humans, and the first ingredient He used to make us was dominion. 

In the Hebrew language, the word “dominion” is translated as “rada,” and means to rule or reign. 

God and His kingdom represent power (1 Corinthians 4:20). When God made us in His image and likeness, He infused power within us because He is powerful, and He reigns over all things (Psalm 103:19). 

In Genesis 1:28, after instructing humanity to “have dominion,” God elaborates on how this dominion should be exercised: 

“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”

In this context, the word “fruitful” goes beyond the idea of procreation and explores the concept of being productive. God used the word fruitful because inside of each human he placed a seed—a gift, talent, skill, or ability (1 Peter 4:10). We are to use that gift to expand, or multiply, His kingdom, leading and serving in various fields, industries, and sectors on the earth. As we actively fill and subdue the earth, we contribute to the expansion of God’s kingdom by broadening our influence, all while practicing responsible stewardship over the earth’s resources. 

Understanding that God’s purpose is to extend His kingdom from Heaven to Earth involves recognizing our role in exercising dominion, just as He does. This entails utilizing our unique talents and abilities to lead, and have dominion within our various spheres of influence, including work, friendships, family, and community. 

Living Out God’s Purpose

While having this knowledge is vital, it’s equally important to practically apply these principles in our lives. By using the Bible as our guide, we can effectively contribute to the expansion of God’s kingdom. As we engage in the transformation of communities, societies, nations, and the world, our efforts work toward aligning our surroundings with the values and the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Here are practical ways to live out live out God’s plan of expanding His Kingdom through human dominion:

1. Have Dominion: Having dominion, as God intended, is rooted in the fact that you were designed for this role. Just as God spoke to the earth when he wanted vegetation (Genesis 1:11) and wildlife (Genesis 1:24), spoke to waters when He wanted fish, spoke to the skies when He wanted birds (Genesis 1:20), He spoke to Himself to create humans in His own image (Genesis 1:26). This is not only an affirmation of our identity but a divine endorsement of our dominion over the earth. You carry within you the capacity to reign, rule, and cultivate the world around you. Embracing this truth empowers you to fulfill God’s purpose for your life and contribute to the flourishing of His Kingdom on Earth. 
   
   
2. Be Fruitful: Cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer, study of His Word, meditation, and by letting every action be guided by the Holy Spirit. Develop the fruit of the Spirit in your life by striving to embody qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) in your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. As your connection with Him deepens, you’ll discover the unique gifts, skills, and abilities He has granted you. These talents are meant to be developed and utilized for His glory and the expansion of His kingdom.  
   
   
3. Multiply: Re-produce the gifts that the Holy Spirit provides by sharing them with others. Identify your spiritual gifts by paying attention to the areas where you feel empowered and impactful as you serve others and impact your community positively. The more you use your spiritual gifts, the more they multiply. As you faithfully serve others with your abilities, you’ll experience the joy of seeing lives transformed and God’s Kingdom expanding. Encourage and mentor others, help them discover and develop their God-given talents and callings (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
   
   
4. Fill the Earth: Engage in diverse cultures and communities, reflecting God’s values in your interactions. Share your faith and integrate Kingdom principles into your workplace, social circles, and daily activities by exemplifying compassion, and excellence, while demonstrating the values and culture of the Kingdom of Heaven in every interaction and decision you make. Contribute positively to your local and global contexts, striving to make a lasting impact for God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:13-16). 
   
   
5. Subdue the Earth: Embrace responsible stewardship and management of the environment, resources, and relationships. Advocate for justice and mercy, seeking to alleviate inequality and oppression by bringing about positive change. Address societal issues with a Kingdom perspective, reflecting God’s heart for righteousness (Micah 6:8). Practice integrity by applying Kingdom values to your decision-making, business practices, and relationships, while modeling honesty and humility in all you do. Stand against corruption and unethical behavior, contributing to a more just and righteous society. 
   
   

By understanding God’s purpose and by aligning our lives with it, we gain the power to exercise control over our circumstances, empowered by the dominion God granted us. This empowerment allows us to lead a Kingdom-oriented life characterized by abundance, security, provision, and peace, in accordance with God’s original intent.