January 30, 2025 Devo

Dominion. That was our gift and charge from God at creation. We were to have responsibility for the care of this world and the animals that live in it. David highlights that empowerment in our passage today. I love the word that he uses in the NIV. “Rulers.” Makes you feel powerful to say that word, doesn’t it? And it should. Because you are. The only question is are you utilizing that power?
It’s said that leadership begins with leading ourselves. I think that’s a great application of this “ruling” idea as well. Are you ruling over your life or are you acting like a slave to it? Let me unpack it for you.
Are you ruling over your emotions? In other words, do you let your emotions determine how you react and respond, or do you rein your emotions in to make sure you respond in a way that honors God? For some people, their emotions are in charge. They are the people who often end up having to apologize for their reactions. They are also the people that others often avoid because you never know what’s going to happen with them.
Are you ruling over your tongue? If it pops in your head, does it come out of your mouth, or do you take charge over the things you say? James says our tongues are like sparks of fire that can cause damage like we’ve seen in California lately. So true. I wonder how many lives have been hurt, how many churches split, and how many relationships ruined because our tongues rule over us rather than us ruling over them? I’d guess the majority of relational problems could be solved if we’d just exercise the power of control God has given us.
Take a moment today and answer this question. Am I a ruler or a slave? Who or what am I allowing to rule over me? My emotions? My tongue? My desires? My fears? Other people? God created us to be royalty—rulers who have the power to make choices, have impact, and take control. So what is it going to be? Or you a ruler or a slave? That’s God’s Word for you today.