God has given man dominion (stewardship not ownership) over the Earth to manage and protect it (Gen. 1:26-28). He also wants us to be good stewards over our lives and our interactions with mankind. But sometimes, the need for power and control overtakes the purpose that God intended for us. The mask of power has tainted the hearts of many deceived by worldly gain, praise and applause, and temporary pleasure. We see the abuse of power destroying so many lives. The mistreatment of the innocent subjected to the greed of one's desires. We witness the crippling effects of pride versus the perfecting power of humbleness. Saying "I was wrong" is often covered up with the need to be right. Needless to say, the need to be "in charge" should carry the need " to do right". This is because regardless of your title, position, influence, etc... God is still in full control. Afterall, to lead means to lead like Jesus not to deceive like Satan. Repentance is the answer that corrects our sinful nature. We have every opportunity to examine our hearts and to follow God. But if not, the cost of disobedience is not cheap. For God will soon shatter the masks of manipulation, oppression, greed, and many other destructive habits by exposing what's done in private to a public stage. The stage of accountability where everyone will reap the harvest that they have sown in due season.

Our "heart posture" matters! Righteousness matters! It matters in all that we do, and all that we say we are! It displays our character, and our ambitions or motives. It shapes our perspectives and determines our level of compassion. In essence, it is a true testament to "working our faith" and "trusting His plan!

How can we say we are His children, if we don't strive to better ourselves daily? We will never be perfect, but that should not be the reason we settle for complacency. Each day, we should strive to be better than the day before. We should strive to grow in areas were we fall short.

This is the "heart posture" of a soldier for Christ. One that understands that by His grace we are yet saved! One that understands that, "I once was blind but now I see!" This speaks volumes to those that are lost in their sinful ways because it is not condemnation, but understanding that "I once was lost too!" This is true discipleship.... this is our duty as believers to plant the seed, and God will do the rest!

We have entered into a new season, a new year, and hopefully with a renewed mind. The things of the old will not work in this new season. For there is a shift that is taking place, and we must adhere to the Holy Spirit's unctioning. We cannot afford to ignore, overlook, or disregard His voice. We must hearken unto His Holy Word, and embrace His Holy Will. If not, the burden of disobedience will be too great and our reward will be that which we have sown.

Yet, there is hope! Hope and confidence that living for Jesus yields abundance in every aspect of our lives. For every day is a blessing, and every opportunity we are given should prompt us to walk the path He has laid before us.