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Called to Govern: How Christians Can Reclaim Their Authority

In a world that often pushes Christians to take a back seat, there's a powerful truth we need to embrace we are called to govern. Not in a political sense alone, but in a spiritual sense that impacts every area of our lives and communities. The church was never meant to be passive or silent - we were designed to take our place of authority and bring transformation to our land.

What Does It Mean to Be Called to Govern?

Scripture reveals that believers are positioned as kings and queens, co-heirs with Christ. We're not just saved to go to heaven someday - that's a wonderful bonus! We're saved to exercise spiritual authority right now.

"We are seated at the right hand of the Father, higher than anything. We're called to rule and to reign. We are called to establish. We are called to bring change upon this land."

This calling isn't about dominating others but about standing against spiritual forces that bring destruction to our communities. It's about recognizing that we have been given authority to push back darkness and establish God's kingdom principles.

Why the Church Must Unite to Govern Effectively

One of the enemy's most effective strategies is division. When the church is divided, we cannot take a stand. History shows that revival and transformation come when believers unite across denominational lines with a common purpose.

Consider these powerful examples:

In Clay County, Kentucky, two pastors from different denominations united in prayer after their community had been devastated by drugs, corruption, and hopelessness. Their unified stand led to a powerful move of God that transformed their region.

An Inuit tribe in Alaska saw God move powerfully when believers came together in desperate prayer for their drug-ravaged community.

These stories share a common thread: unity in purpose and desperation for God to move.

How Do We Fight This Spiritual Battle?

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 gives us clear direction: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

This passage, coupled with Ephesians 6, reminds us that:

  • Our battle is supernatural, not natural
  • God has given us spiritual weapons with power to destroy strongholds
  • We must be obedient ourselves before we can effectively fight

Why Personal Holiness Matters in Spiritual Authority

Isaiah 6:1-8 provides a powerful model for those who want to govern spiritually. When Isaiah encountered God's glory, his first response was: "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips."

Before Isaiah could be sent, he needed cleansing. The same is true for us. We cannot effectively govern areas where we ourselves are compromised. This is why the Holy Spirit's conviction is so vital - it leads us to repentance so we can be cleansed and made ready for service.

"We cannot go bringing accusations against others when ourselves are living a disobedient lifestyle."

What Happens When We Take Our Eyes Off God?

In 2 Chronicles 16:7-8, we see King Asa make a critical mistake. After experiencing God's deliverance from a massive army, he later began relying on human alliances rather than God. The result? God said he would face many wars.

This serves as a warning: when we take our eyes off God and put them on human solutions, we lose our effectiveness. True spiritual authority comes from complete dependence on God.

"God is searching the land for those who are not sold out, who are not cursing the land, but for those who are willing to rule and to reign."

How Do We Begin to Govern Our Communities?

Identify the battlegrounds: Seek information about crime hotspots and areas of spiritual darkness in your community.

Pray with authority: Use your position in Christ to bring cases before the heavenly court against the enemy's work in your area.

Speak life, not death: Be careful what you declare over your city. Your words can either build up or tear down.

Surrender completely: Like Isaiah, say "Here I am, send me" after allowing God to cleanse and prepare you.

Pray for workers: Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."

Life Application

The time for passive Christianity is over. God is calling His church to rise up in authority and begin governing the spiritual atmosphere of our communities. This week, I challenge you to:

  • Identify one area in your community that needs spiritual transformation (addiction, crime, broken families, etc.)
  • Examine your own life for any areas where you need cleansing and repentance before you can effectively pray with authority
  • Begin praying specifically for that area, using your spiritual authority to declare God's purposes
  • Find others to unite with in prayer and purpose for your community

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I living with a mindset of spiritual authority or spiritual passivity?
  • What areas of my community am I most burdened for?
  • How can I partner with other believers to see transformation in these areas?
  • What might God be asking me to surrender so I can be more effective?

Remember, revival and transformation begin with desperate, surrendered hearts who understand their authority in Christ and are willing to stand in the gap for their communities. Will you be one of them?