By Robert
Dominion or Domination
I know of a martial arts instructor who has clearly mastered his art. Not too many could mess with this guy. He can also impart his knowledge to others in a life-giving way. He does not lord his knowledge over others, nor is he on an ego trip. He does not get threatened or feel inferior if a student does not learn quickly enough. He teaches, he imparts, he empowers.
Many of us remember the antagonist instructor in the movie the Karate Kid. He clearly was on an ego trip. It was not about the kids, it was about him. He was dominating, demeaning, and cruel.
These two styles of authority play out in many ways from business managers, educators, coaches, to even pastors and missionaries. I have met many missionaries who were on the field for all the wrong reasons. They were belittling toward the people group they worked with and arrogant toward other missionaries who “did not know as much as they did.”
Dominion through identity
Wounded people seek authority in order to dominate others. Basic emotional wholeness and a solid identity enable an individual to move into dominion that is life-giving to those under him. Healthy dominion is rooted in our identity and not in our authority. Our identity comes primarily from the way we were fathered.
Basic Trust
The way a father responds to his children builds identity in them. When the father has been diligent in establishing the child’s identity there is a freedom, wholeness, and willingness to risk.
When a child has had his identity affirmed and his needs met by his father, he looks at the world as a positive place, where he can risk and accomplish things. When a child has not experienced his father’s provision and relationship, then there is a fear factor, insecurity, and a root of abandonment so they are not able to risk; they are unable to walk freely in their dominion. Needs to control and dominate come from fear, and fear comes from unresolved issues of shame.
It is from fathering that we are able to step into dominion. Think of the Christian leader, whether in the market place, or the church, that really walks in dominion. They have healthy boundaries-guilt and stories of victimization do not move them nor can they be enticed by gifts of service or goods. Their need to be needed is healed; their identity is in Father’s love. You cannot draw them into gossip or acting in a belittling way toward another even if they have been hurt by that person. Their values guide them. It makes you feel secure to be around them.
Vision
In their authority, they are secure enough to walk in servant-leadership. This leadership is life giving to others as they use their skills to help others and empower them. You feel valued being around them. I believe the day will come when the church will no longer be known for their critical attitude, sanctimony, and falling into the same sins that they judge. I believe the day is coming when the fatherless generation will know the church as the one place they can turn to and truly be loved, valued, and fathered.
Absolutely Brilliant !!
Well said Robert! How wonderful to eat that fruit! Jesus came to enable us to live like him and do what he does. His peace be yours! Thanks for your friendship. Steve
Amen! May the Church find its place as a place of refuge and healing.
Robert:
This article hits the mark. Well said and well written!
Domination partners with darkness. Dominion partners with Light. When we learn to walk in dominion, the essence of the Father’s presence accompanies us and His love changes the spiritual atmosphere around us.
Blessings to you and Cyndi. May you both walk in dominion everywhere you go!
Great reminder Robert – please remind us (me) how to best respond to people acting out their father-wounds by being domineering, egotistical, etc. to disengage this behavior and not feed it
thanks!
Thanks Robert for this wonderful picture of how God intended for the church to function toward the people of God who are hurting. I can not think of anyone who could not gleam from your “newsletters.” It is good to be part of the family of God the Father who loves us so much. Merry Christmas to you and yours!