The Original Commission

“Then God blessed them, and God said to them.  ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” — Genesis 1:28

When did God first give us the Great Commission? What does that mean for entrepreneurs and businesspeople? How can we have a Great Commission Company?

As believers in Jesus, we are called to live life to the fullest, completely walking in who God has created us to be – individually and collectively. Creation is ours to enjoy and to take care of in a righteous, peaceful way. We are to go forth in the world and do things that make a difference, all while in fellowship and communion with our Heavenly Father. Indeed, it is an exciting life when a God-ordained life purpose matches up with a real need in the world! When that occurs, fruit happens, lives are changed, and the world sees an expression of Jesus in the work of the believer.

The Great Commission is more than just telling people about Jesus. It’s a lifestyle that was first given to us at creation. In order to make disciples, we have to be disciples – note the first part of Genesis 1:28: “Then God blessed them, and said to them [italics added].” In order to bless someone and talk to them, you must first have a relationship with them. Once that foundation of a relationship between you and the Lord is made, you are then equipping “go forth” and live a life that reflects God’s glory in every aspect.

Let’s break down the individual commands in Genesis 1:28:

1. Be fruitful. We are never called to simply stay the way we are. We were made with the power to co-create with our Father! Specifically, as entrepreneurs and businesspeople, we have the talent we need to add value to life. We’re commanded to go and bear fruit, adding utility and beauty to the sphere of life God has called us to.
2. Multiply. When we develop a product or service that truly adds value to the world, we should plan on reaching as many people as possible. Serving more people provides you with the opportunity to increase your profitability, which enables you to generate more resources for greater impact and influence.
3. Fill the earth. To fill the earth means to have a global vision.  Don’t limit yourself only to the community where you started your business, but consider other cities, states and even countries.  Remember that as Great Commission companies you are called to “go into all the earth.”
4. Subdue. To subdue means to conquer.  Determine to receive everything that God has for you and your company, and set your mind to conquering the opportunity that God has placed in front of you. Manage your resources and your behavior well, with a spirit of meekness (power under control).
5. Have dominion. It is clear in Scripture that God gives mankind (both men and women) dominion. Dominion is a divine, legal right and power given to man over the works of God’s hands (Psalm 8:6), and business is a tool used to exercise dominion in the marketplace.

Are you living out the original Great Commission in the marketplace by taking hold of all that Christ has taken hold of for you? When we shine like stars reflecting God’s glory in our personal lives and in our businesses, we walk in the redemption that God offers to the world, and exist as living testimonies to His power and grace. We bring a wholeness to the business world once again.

My prayer for you today is that God would give you the grace to bear much fruit as an entrepreneur or businessperson, moving forward in His righteousness every day.