You Were Born to Reign

Jesus didn’t come so you could just survive life. He came so you could reign in life. He said it plainly:
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV)

From the very beginning, God’s design for humanity was dominion. Genesis 1:26 records His intent: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion…” Dominion means authority, rulership, responsibility—living with a sense of purpose, not as a victim of circumstance.

And under the New Covenant, this isn’t just a dream. Paul writes:
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17 NKJV)

Notice the wording: will reign in life. Not in heaven someday. Not barely holding on. Not constantly defeated. Right here. Right now.

The verse says we reign by receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Those can sound like religious buzzwords, so let’s strip them down:

• Grace (abundance of grace) is simply God’s limitless supply, His unearned favor, His empowering presence working on your behalf. Think of it as God giving you His ability instead of leaving you stranded with your own.

• Righteousness (gift of righteousness) is simply right standing with God. It’s the declaration that you are accepted, approved, and loved—not because of what you do, but because of what Jesus did.

Put together, this means you don’t reign by striving, but by receiving. You don’t rule by proving yourself, but by resting in what Christ has already secured for you.

How to R.E.I.G.N. in Life

Here’s a practical way to remember what reigning looks like:

R – Receive Grace Daily
Stop trying to manufacture your own strength. Grace is not a one-time event; it’s God’s ongoing flow. Wake up every day with open hands, saying: “Lord, I receive Your strength, Your wisdom, Your favor today.”
📖 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)

E – Embrace Your Righteousness
Guilt and shame will always try to dethrone you. But righteousness is a gift, not a paycheck. You’re not working for approval; you’re working from approval.
📖 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV)

I – Influence with Love
Reigning isn’t about bossing people around—it’s about serving with authority. Jesus washed feet and called us to do the same. Kings in the Kingdom lead by love.
📖 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45 NKJV)

G – Govern Your World
Every king has a territory. For you, it’s your thoughts, your words, your home, your field of favor. Don’t let fear, anger, or negativity reign where God has given you dominion.
📖 “Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.” (Romans 6:12 NKJV)

N – Navigate with the Spirit
Kings don’t wander aimlessly; they move with strategy. The Holy Spirit is your Counselor, guiding you into all truth and showing you things to come.
📖 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14 NKJV)

What Happens When You Reign

When you start living from grace and righteousness, everything shifts:

• You stop living under fear and condemnation.

• You walk into opportunities with boldness.

• You influence others naturally because people are drawn to your peace and confidence.

• You live abundantly, not anxiously, knowing heaven is backing you up.

Reigning in life isn’t arrogance—it’s alignment. It’s not about building a throne for yourself; it’s about sitting with Christ on His.

A Final Word

You were never designed to live defeated. You were created for dominion. Jesus didn’t just save you from something—He saved you for something. And that something is reigning in life.

So today, receive His grace. Embrace your righteousness. And remember: you are not a beggar hoping for scraps; you are a king and priest in Christ, called to reign.

Rise up and R.E.I.G.N.—your crown fits you perfectly.

—Shannon