While listening to a Myles Munroe podcast I had a revelation: as believers we have a responsibility to manifest heaven on this earth.
For too long believers have been waiting on God to step into situations. All the while He has been waiting on us to step up to the mark and actually do what we were created to do, which—according to Genesis chapter 1, verse 26—is to have dominion over all the earth. We were put in charge as managers of the planet.
We were not appointed 'King' of the earth, because God is King, but to be the caretakers.
We were meant to know the character and personality of God, and manage the planet accordingly. Sadly, sin got in and made a terrible mess, but I must stress that we still have the same responsibility.
A role to play
So you see we were given a role. In order to fulfil this role we must know the will of the Father, which only comes from relationship with Him and learning His character and personality throughout the scriptures. From there, we are able to make earth like heaven.
Jesus himself told us when we pray to the Father that we are to pray His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Therefore, we play the essential role in establishing on earth, that which is (or isn't) in heaven.
Through Jesus we have the authority over the enemy to claim healing for the sick and see it manifest—because there is no sickness in heaven.
We have the authority over the enemy to speak life into a broken marriage or family and watch it come to pass—because there is no brokenness in heaven.
We have the authority to manifest peace in the life of someone grief-stricken—because there is peace and joy in heaven.
We are to speak and believe for the heavenly version of the situation, and through our faith the power of God overrides the earthly version; sick people are healed, relationships restored, addiction defeated. These are just a few examples.
A transformed approach
This idea challenges the mindset in which we approach these earthly situations. Instead of just looking at them and shrugging our shoulders, thinking 'well that's just the way it is', we must get in there, get our hands dirty and tell the enemy he has no power in our situations.
What is a situation that you or those close to you are in that doesn't reflect heaven? Unemployment? Anxiety? Abuse? It can be any number of things.
The great news is that we have the authority to speak out loud directly at the thing and in Jesus' name claim the heavenly version into existence on earth. It's so exciting, powerful, and completely freeing!
This is not just for us at a personal level, but we have a responsibility at a state, national, and international level. We have the authority and responsibility to pray for our governments and politicians and expect that heaven will be reflected in the choices they make (although I do admit that may take quite a lot of faith!).
I can see now how it will be such a liberating revelation to live by! Imagine the world if we all got hold of this...?
Samuel James is a Media Communication graduate based in Wollongong.
Samuel James' previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/samuel-james.html