Why God Promotes the Diligent (Not the Talented) | Dominion Series 4
From the very beginning, God’s intention for humanity was clear: dominion. You were not created merely to sing songs or attend services....
January 18, 2026
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…” – Genesis 1:26
From the very beginning, God’s intention for humanity was clear: dominion. You were not created merely to sing songs or attend services. You were created to exercise authority, to represent God on the earth, and to take responsibility for what happens in your life and surroundings.
Worship is more than melody and lyrics. Taking dominion is worship. When you overcome what stands against you—fear, sin, oppression, or passivity—you are honoring God with your life.
Dominion Was Always God’s Plan
God’s plan has never changed. Genesis 1:26 is still active today. God does not remove every obstacle because many obstacles are meant to train you in dominion. Some mountains exist in your life because God believes you can overcome them.
God is a good Father. He never allows a problem without also supplying the grace to overcome it. Struggles are not signs of abandonment; they are invitations to grow stronger.
Instead of constantly asking God to fix everything, there are moments when God is saying, “I have already empowered you—now act.”
The Gift That Makes Room for You
“A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.” – Proverbs 18:16
What you carry determines the space that opens for you. The greatest gift you possess is not money, education, or connections—it is the image of God within you.
The enemy may steal resources or opportunities, but he cannot erase the image of God in which you were created. That divine image is your true value.
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” – Colossians 1:27
If there is anything good in you, it is Christ Himself. The degree to which you value Jesus is the degree to which you will value yourself.
When people do not understand the value of what they carry, they treat it casually. Many believers undervalue their lives because they do not fully understand who Jesus is and what He has placed within them.
Valuing Jesus Shapes How You Live
When you recognize the value of Jesus, it affects every area of life—what you watch, how you speak, how you treat your body, and how you steward your time.
If Christ truly lives in you, then your life becomes sacred. A lack of reverence for self often reveals a lack of revelation about Jesus.
Singing songs is easy. But what your heart carries determines the reality you live in.
Martha, Mary, and Misplaced Priorities
Luke 10:38–42 tells the story of Martha and Mary.
Jesus entered Martha’s house, yet it was Mary who positioned herself at His feet to listen. Martha was busy serving, but Mary was learning. Jesus affirmed Mary’s choice, saying she had chosen “the good portion.”
Serving Jesus is not wrong—but serving can become a distraction when it replaces listening. Anxiety is often the result of misplaced priorities. When Jesus is no longer central, pressure and unrest take over.
Mary valued Jesus not for what He could do, but for who He was. She wasn’t there for entertainment or miracles—she was there to be taught.
Dominion flows from learning. You cannot rule effectively if you refuse to sit and learn from the King.
Preparation Reveals Honor
Martha knew Jesus was coming, yet she was unprepared. Her last-minute activity distracted her from the moment.
Preparation is a reflection of value. How you prepare for God’s presence reveals how much you honor Him. Small things—being on time, being attentive, being ready—carry spiritual weight.
Familiarity often kills honor. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as valuing Him.
Come, Take, and Learn
Jesus gives a clear invitation:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” – Matthew 11:28–29
Rest does not come from escape; it comes from alignment.
Jesus invites us to:
- Come to Him
- Take His yoke
- Learn from Him
His yoke is simple:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
When the kingdom becomes your priority, everything else finds its proper place. When you chase what is meant to be added, anxiety increases. But when you seek the kingdom, addition becomes effortless.
Living for the Kingdom
You can figure out career, finances, and opportunities—but a truly satisfying life only comes from living for Jesus.
Don’t die for Jesus first. Live for Him.
When your heart is set on building God’s house, God takes responsibility for building yours. Kingdom-minded people walk in peace, authority, and supernatural provision.
Dominion is your portion—but alignment is your responsibility.
Honor Jesus. Value Him. Learn from Him. And walk in the authority He has already given you.
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