Excerpt
Adam was given authority over what God created. His authority came to establish the will of God for His creation, not control creation. God brought the animals to Adam to name them, not to tell them how they were to behave. He brought definition and identity to what God had purposed. Remember, God placed man over the works of His hand. If God retained ownership, man became a godly steward.

The Christian man operates in God’s authority by enforcing and admonishing those around him to be what God has purposed them to be. Adam did not plant Eden and did not decide which trees were in the Garden. However, he had the authority and responsibility to till the ground and keep the Garden in the condition that God had purposed.

True authority never controls and dominates, but has dominion and subdues. What is the difference? Dominate and control is rooted in selfish desires and perspectives. To have dominion and subdue, find their definition in God’s plan and not in man’s motives.