Monday, August 18, 2008

THE PRIMARY COMMAND FOR HUMANS IS DOMINION


While there are many major differences between humanity and all other creatures on the earth, there is one that stands out strongly because it is a direct command from God. That is dominion. No other creature in the world is commissioned to care for the earth or for the creatures of the earthy, yet humanity is.  And this dominion has been given to every human, both men and women, no matter their age or ethnicity. If you are human, you have a gift and responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures.  If we do not take our responsibility seriously, the job doesn't get done.  It's up to us and no others.

Equally important is that this responsibility, with all its ensuing abilities, is our primary responsibility before personal blessings to populate the earth. Each individual no matter what our other responsibilities has a command to guard the earth and its creatures. 

Gen. 1:26 Then God said, 'let Us make man (humanity) 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.' 27 So God created man (humanity) in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Since each human was given this responsibility, each human has an inherent gift of leadership and guardianship, both men and women. Although our personalities, skills and sex will influence how we work it out, the commission and ability is the same.  There is no preference by God.  If you are human, then you inherently have leadership skills.... perhaps not in the world's systems, but in God's system you do.

GOD DOES NOT GIVE THE SPIRIT BY MEASURE.


When Christ sent the Holy Spirit upon us, He did not send only part to some and part to others. While se are sealed by the HS, the infilling, immersion, or spiritual baptism is a separate experience that empowers God's people.  We are commissioned by the HS to do God's work. Everyone receives the same HS. 

The gifts spoken of in 1 Cor. are not actually gifts but the spiritual manifestations of the presence of the Hs in one's life. There are many different manifestations, all of which come with the presence of the HS.  Ministries are also not given by measure or doled out differently to some. The manifestations of the service ministries are the same in everyone whom God commissions, although personality, other skills and opportunities make them flow differently.  Teaching is still teaching, preaching is still preaching, evangelism still evangelism, etc.

The over emphasis on gender today causes some to erroneously think that the HS divides itself differently among men and women, yet there is no indication of such in Scripture.

John 3:34 "For He whom God has sent sppeaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.