DOMINION IN YOUR VOCATION

For what you had before I came was little, and it is now increased to a great amount; the LORD has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house? – Genesis 30:30

God originally designed humankind for all-round dominion in all facets of life. Although the first man lost that status, Jesus Christ by His finished work of redemption has restored to believers the potential for dominion in our career, work or vocation; marriage, family-life or home-front;  health and well-being; spiritual experiences; and in our ministry. Originally, Adam was in charge of his vocation (Gen.2:15), his home-front (Gen.2:22-23), and his spiritual state (Gen.3:8). God intended to make out of him a showpiece in all aspects of life. But the moment Adam sold out to Satan, he lost his dominion status.

Today, we’ll meditate on Dominion in our Vocation. In the beginning, Adam was in charge of his vocation: “Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Gen.2:15). The instructions were clear: “tend and keep the garden.” This was meant to be an enjoyable, highly fulfilling vocation, stationed in his home, but impacting far beyond. In the beginning therefore, work was fun and sweet. Unfortunately, Sin turned work into profitless labour, painful rigour, and heavy sweat: “In the sweat of your face will you eat bread…” (Gen.3:19a). Work lost its dignity!

Praise God, redemption has restored the dignity of work, irrespective of whether you are an employer or employee. But, even in the Old Covenant, Abraham excelled in the realm of business: “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Gen.13:2). Isaac was the envy of his competitors (Gen.26:13-14). Jacob was an employee under Laban, yet through covenant connection, God blessed his employer because of him (Gen.30:27-30). Moreover, through divine insight, Jacob “became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys (Gen.30:43). The employee became an employer of many. Labour bowed to favour. The same can be your portion!

Joseph also was a Wonder at Work! Though an employee, he was “a prosperous man…in the house of his master the Egyptian” (Gen.39:2b). If the Old Testament covenant fathers could exercise such dominion in their vocations, we in the New Covenant should not accomplish less. When you know that in Christ you are not an ordinary creature, you’ll soar above mediocrity and achieve extraordinary feats at work. When you know that God is your Ultimate Employer, work will be fun, fulfilling, and truly rewarding: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col.3:17). The Lord will ensure that whatsoever you do shall prosper (Psa.1:3b).