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).
“Then God said, ‘let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 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 1:26-28).
From the Genesis narrative, we see that we do not have differences as to the intent and purpose of God but in our own perspectives and understanding. If we were to embrace the command of God to take dominion of all that is upon the earth and in the seas, we would find that our work was meant to be done within a harmonious relationship rather than in opposition to each other. Also, to be remembered, is the fact that God blessed the man and woman, thus giving His approval upon them in their person and work. This should be remembered as we pursue our personal goals and aspirations. Each of us is a part of the fulfillment of what God intended in Genesis chapter one.
The man and the woman were both made in the image and likeness of God and given dominion over the entire earth and over all living creatures, but neither was given dominion over the other. Headship does not imply dictatorial dominance, nor does submission mean subservience. Our differences are in our roles not our value. God designed and made us so that together we would fulfill His purposes as an indomitable unit; man and woman working as one was His purpose. This is clearly seen in a marriage that is submitted to God. Recognizing our roles helps us to understand the intent of God in making us different but at the same time alike. We are a part of something/Someone greater than we have realized!