I'm still reading through Assumptions That Affect Our Lives by Christian Overman and thoroughly enjoying it. In his chapter on Moral Order and Reason, he gives a beautiful description of dominion that I wanted to share. I often struggle to give a full picture of the dominion lifestyle. Our family attempts to live it on a daily basis but I struggle to encapsulate it into words. Mr. Overman has done just that.

He asks, "Who Rules Planet Earth?"

He answers, "instead of focusing on what we cannot do in our limitations, let's focus on what we can do in our freedom. For within the borders of our human boundaries, God has given us an astounding freedom, and the highest place of honor among all living things. David, the Hebrew shepherd-king, pondered this while out under the stars at night:

"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet," (Psalm 8:3-6 NKJ).

Man was commissioned to manage God's very creation! That which He spoke into existence and proclaimed to be good, He entrusted into the hands of human beings for care and stewardship. Man, being created in God's image, was thoroughly equipped for the task because the capacity for rulership is also one of the central aspects of what it means to be made in the likeness of God. Even as God is the infinite Governor of the universe, He made a likeness of Himself to be a finite governor on earth. We are the only creatures given stewardship over all the earth. It is a mandate of utmost responsibility, and a position of tremendous honor."

Who rules the earth right now? Unfortunately the pagans do. Our job is to reclaim dominion over God's creation. He made us stewards and entrusted us with this task, but unfortunately we have handed it over to the pagans. Where do we start? Within our own realm - our family, our business, our church, our community, our local government.

Mr. Overman goes on to say, "Now, pause and think for a moment. Consider your own sphere of responsibility. What has He placed into your hands? What has He given you to steward? To care for? To cultivate? To dress and keep? What has He put before you to develop? To foster? To invent? To refine? To advance? In what ways are you using those endowments He gave you, in the likeness of Himself, to care for and cultivate His world?"

I think of our job of retaking dominion like the analogy Christ uses to describe the Kingdom of God. It starts small like a mustard seed and grows into the largest of trees. Dominion may start small, but it can flourish into something large and influential.

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I find it sad that our culture has declined so far that what used to be considered a "healthy debate" is now taken as a full-blown assault.  It seems that many have adopted the "fight or flight" philosophy when it comes to debate.

Past cultures made regular practice of the lively debate.  It sharpens the mind and refines one's worldview.

I read a lot of book and listen to a lot of tapes.  I have a lot of thoughts in response to these various resources.  I started this blog as a place where I could articulate my thoughts on these various subjects. 

I don't want to unnecessarily offend anyone, but I feel compelled to speak the Truth boldly and without apology.  God commands us to "test," "judge," "defend," "cast down," "refute," "reprove," "correct" and countless others.

I'm open to comments as long as we keep the debate "healthy".

Just because I may disagree with something that you affirm, doesn't mean I think you're stupid and hate you.  It also doesn't mean that I am stupid and don't understand.  Let's stay away from ad hominem attacks.

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A November 9th post by Annette reminded me of this inspiring passage.  I printed it awhile back, but it slowly worked it's way to the bottom of the pile on my desk.  I think I need to laminate it and keep it close at hand.  The bold emphases are mine.

Good temper should be cultivated by every mistress, as upon it the welfare of the household may be said to turn; indeed, its influence can hardly be overestimated, as it has the effect of molding the characters of those around her, and of acting most beneficially on the happiness of the domestic circle.  Every mistress should strive to be cheerful, and should never fail to show a deep interest in all that appertains to the well-being of those who claim the protection of her roof.  Gentleness, not partial and temporary, but universal and regular, should pervade her conduct; for where such a spirit is habitually manifested, it not only delights her children, but makes her domestics attentive and respectful; her visitors are also pleased by it, and their happiness is increased.

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