The concept of dominion has always intrigued me. It has its origins in the book of Genesis where God says, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 The dominion mandate was not a suggestion, but the intention of God for his people to make a difference in the world. Sin later entered the world and dominion seemed so far away. Instead of accomplishing God’s desire for us we seem to be more consumed with our desires.

It was always God’s heart for us to impact, touch, and change the world around us. We are not to sit idly by and watch the world go to hell. Dominion does not just happen, we have to go and exist in places where there are things that are opposed to God’s rule. Dominion is less about our rights and more about our responsibility to both God and the world.

My heart immediately ponders the state of many college campuses. Intellectual thought has somehow become the exact opposite of a biblical perspective. Many act as if God is either non-existent or unintelligent, and all the people who represent him are idiots. That is a perspective in which I take offense.

So consider, what steps can you take today to make a difference? Who else is around you can help you impact the lives of others? What fears grip your heart as you consider touching the lives of others? With whom can you connect that will challenge you to do something, for God’s sake? Take a step today to establish dominion. 

Lately, I have been thinking about the people who have invested in my life in the area of leadership. The list is not short by any means. I am the leader in great part because these people have invested in me. I have read many books on leadership, but there is no substitute to a life modeled out. I use the word invest because when people spend time and money and principles they have no expectation that they will get a return. But, people who have given to me are expecting something in return. I believe based on who I have become I am and have been a good investment.

This is important because for every person who invested in me becoming who God wants me to be, there was someone else who thought I was not worth the investment. There were leaders that I have come across that I wished would speak a word of encouragement or give me even a brief learning. But, I sadly walked away. You have to have eyes of potential to see people before they become who they are to be. I have a sneaky suspicion that there are more emerging leaders out there in need of investment than we could ever imagine.

So depending on which side of the equation you fall will determine your next steps. If you are a leader, look around you to see those who need to know that you believe in them. Who has been trying to get your attention? Who has been on your heart? These are the next potential people who will advance God’s kingdom. If you desire to be leader, whom has God placed around you? How can you serve them best? Ask yourself what you have to offer. Leadership is a journey, and we need to both lead and be led.

Those who are into hip-hop from the 90's will remember the song, "OPP" from a group called Naughty by Nature. The song was vulgar in its suggestion as the trio's name suggests, but they had thousand yelling their anthem. I have a different approach for the acronym, O-Other P-People's P-Perspective.  As a leader I can be so committed to “my vision” and “my way” of accomplishing that vision that I can actually kill it. How? Because I must first approach a vision from the stand point of, its God's vision, not mine. Then God brought me a dream and he will bring others to help in its advancement. To that degree their perspective is as valuable as mine.

Leadership requires a greater level of attention and care from the key person. But I need others to help in the formation of the things God has placed in my hands. I learned this lesson recently when a young lady, who is on my staff, and a recent graduate significantly enhanced how we approach our programming. She after having an opportunity to work at our churches leadership meeting began to question and challenge how we do things. My first thought was, 'who do you think you are', but I invited her so she was exactly who I needed her to be. She begin to ask questions that I had decided I already knew the answer to, and began to take my words and thoughts and make them better.

After she completed pushing back on what I held so dear, I began to see more clearly how the ministry could be greatly advance through her point of view. Now, I like to think that I give my leaders voice to challenge things, but it is different when one does it so powerfully yet humbly.  Had I not listened, I would have been making a dyer mistake. Because of OPP I anticipate great growth. 

If you are a leader, I challenge you to allow someone new to push on the vision God has given you. If you are a student, look for chances to give your perspective when possible. God brings the right people at the right time to accomplish His purpose. Those voices can sometimes come from the most unsuspecting places. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Proverb 11:14