There is a correlation between authority and thriving. When it is in the right relationship, we can thrive. But when we abuse authority, the opposite should be expected.

What was the first thing you remember being “in charge” of?

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” —Genesis 1:26–28 (NIV)

How would you define “rule over” in this text?

The Latin root of “authority” means “that which allows, promotes, protects growth and life.”

How does the Latin root help your understanding?

Thriving involves… the proper exercise of authority in our lives.

You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, 8 the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. —Psalm 8:6–8 (NIV)

What is this passage saying?

We have been given the authority to impact and shape the world we live in.

Thriving involves… exercising authority for the benefit/fruitfulness of people/things under our care.

When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. —Genesis 2:4–5 (NLT)

What do you notice about why plants/grains were not growing on earth?

Humans have a measure of responsibility for the way things would unfold on the planet. And we need to take that responsibility seriously.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. —Acts 20:35 (NIV)

What does this verse say about our responsibility with the authority we have?