Discovering the Divine Blueprint for Authority and Impact
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion…” Genesis 1:26
In a culture where people chase dominion, platforms, positions, influence, and control, many overlook the divine order laid out at the beginning of creation: God makes before He grants dominion. The cry for impact is loud, but the call to be formed is quiet, often avoided. Yet it is the secret to lasting influence.
1. The Process of Making Is Divine, Not Optional
Before man could rule, man had to be made.
God did not say, “Let them have dominion,” and then go back to figure out how to create them. No, He first declared the making: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”
This reveals a timeless spiritual law: Authority flows from identity, and identity is a result of divine formation. Dominion without formation leads to destruction. When a soul is not made in God’s image, it will abuse whatever power it touches.
Too many today want dominion without discipline, calling without character, power without pruning. But God will not entrust His kingdom to vessels who refuse His molding.
2. Image and Likeness: The Foundation of Dominion
God’s order was:
1. Make man
2. In Our image and likeness
3. Give him dominion
This means you cannot operate in true dominion unless you reflect God’s nature, not just His power, but His purity, patience, mercy, and justice. Dominion is not about being bossy; it’s about being a faithful reflection of the King.
The more you resemble Him, the more you can represent Him.
Many are gifted but not governed by God. Many have influence but lack spiritual substance. The result? Platforms that exalt self instead of Christ, ministries that exploit instead of serve. Control, manipulation instead of stewarding.
3. Why the Making Process Feels Hidden
God often makes you in the hidden place. Adam was formed in the dust of the ground before being placed in the Garden. Joseph was formed in the pit and the prison before the palace. David was made while tending sheep, long before he held a crown.
Why?
Because the making process is where God builds what no spotlight can reveal and no applause can sustain: character, faith, humility, endurance, obedience. These are the roots that keep you grounded when dominion comes.
The weight of dominion will crush an unmade man.
Let God build your inner life before you seek outward influence.
4. Dominion Is Not a Stage: It’s Stewardship
We often confuse dominion with domination. But biblical dominion is not about ruling over people; it’s about stewarding what God has entrusted to you with wisdom, humility, and authority under His Lordship.
Jesus, the ultimate King, showed what true dominion looks like:
“ Jesus knew that the Father had given Him authority over everything and that He had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.” John 13:3–5
True dominion serves, uplifts, protects, and honors others. It’s not about being above people, but being accountable to God.
If your dominion doesn’t reflect Jesus, it’s not a kingdom dominion and is evidence you have not endured the making process.
5. Practical Ways to Embrace Your Making Season
1. Don’t Resist the Hidden Place
Be faithful when no one is watching. That’s where roots grow deep.
2. Submit to God’s Tools: The Word, Prayer, and Spirit filled Community
Let His Word shape your mindset. Let prayer purify your motives. Let godly community sharpen your character.
3. Ask God to Reveal the Gaps in Your Formation
Are there areas of immaturity, unforgiveness, fear, or pride? Invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas before seeking greater influence.
4. Be Content to Be Made Before You Are Known
Remember, visibility is not always validation. Being seen by God is greater than being seen by man.
A Prayer to Be Made Before Being Sent
“Lord, I surrender my desire for dominion and ask You to make me first. Shape me in Your image. Strip me of anything that does not reflect You. Build in me the humility, endurance, and purity to carry what You’ve called me to do. I don’t want to be great without being godly. I want to reflect You before I represent You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Final Takeaway:
You were not created simply to have dominion. You were made to be like God, to carry His nature, to reflect His beauty, and to steward His authority with fear and reverence.
Let God make you first. Dominion will follow.
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The Anointed Scribe’s Lamp 