Many Christians today live well below their spiritual potential because they are not aware of the amazing power that Christ has given them. However, God has set His people up for success more than ever before, and now is the moment to exercise spiritual authority like never before.

This is a commandment from Heaven, not just a calling. You were not made to lead a life of spiritual stagnation, confusion, or defeat. In every aspect of your existence, you were created to rule, to exercise dominion, and to bring Heaven to earth. This blog will show you the subtle indicators that you might not be using your full authority and what you can do right now to alter that.

Understand what spiritual authority really means and allow your faith to be ignited, your purpose awakened, and your walk empowered as we uncover the 5 signs you’re not living in your God-given dominion.

You Struggle to See Yourself the Way God Sees You: Your Identity in Christ Impacts Your Dominion—Here’s How

One of the most telling signs that you are not walking in spiritual dominion is a distorted view of yourself. If you constantly wrestle with thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t have what it takes,” or “I’m just trying to survive,” it’s a sign that you haven’t fully embraced your identity in Christ.

When you don’t see yourself as God sees you, it’s nearly impossible to operate in spiritual authority. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This new identity gives you access to Christian dominion—a life led by purpose, power, and peace.

God has invited you to be a child of the King, not to live as a spiritual pauper. Adopting your identity in Christ is about trusting God’s Word, not about being arrogant. Dominion starts when you begin to declare who He says you are and cease doubting who you are.

You Avoid Confrontation with the Enemy Instead of Standing in Your Authority Through Faith

Do you often shy away from spiritual warfare or hope problems just resolve on their own? This could be due to a lack of boldness—another sign that you’re not walking in your full authority. Too many believers live in fear, forgetting that Jesus gave them the power to “trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19, NIV).

Whether it is fear, worry, addiction, or sin, we lose our authority when we back down from conflict. Being in a position of authority does not guarantee an easy life, but it does ensure that you will never have to confront the adversary on your own. Knowing that Heaven is on your side gives you the confidence to fearlessly preach God’s Word.

Don’t wait for the enemy to retreat—walk in authority and command him to leave in Jesus’ name. Remember, dominion isn’t passive; it’s an intentional, faith-fueled lifestyle.

You Experience Spiritual Stagnation and Feel Disconnected from God’s Voice and Direction

Spiritual stagnation—that feeling of being trapped, cut off from God, or uncertain of your life’s purpose—is a glaring indication that you are not living in your God-given authority. We frequently lose touch with the source of our spiritual authority when we are not progressing in our spiritual journey.

In John 15:5 (NIV), Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Dominion is a byproduct of connection. When you’re connected to Christ, you bear the fruit of boldness, wisdom, and divine guidance.

You stray from your spiritual mission when you stop listening to God’s voice. However, God has not abandoned you; rather, He is calling you to come back, concentrate, and rediscover your purpose. You may restore your dominion in Christ and realign your spirit with Heaven through prayer, worship, and time spent in the Word.

Lack of Dominion Often Reveals Itself in the Way You Respond to Challenges—Are You Living in Defeat or Exercising Spiritual Dominion?

Challenges are inevitable, but your response reveals whether you’re truly walking in authority or living in defeat. Do you panic, blame others, or give up easily? Or do you respond with faith, prayer, and biblical declarations?

Romans 8:37 (NKJV) declares, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” If that’s true—and it is—then why do so many Christians act as though they’re powerless?

This is due to their ignorance of the true meaning of spiritual authority. It is about bringing your heart, mind, and words into line with God’s promises, not about shouting louder or “trying harder.” Dominion is about living from a place of victory, knowing that Christ has already won the fight, not only about winning battles.

If you’re consistently feeling defeated or overwhelmed, it’s time to ask: Am I responding from a place of fear, or from faith? Real dominion looks like praising in the storm, standing firm in trials, and declaring God’s truth louder than your doubt.

When You’re Not Walking in Authority, You Miss Opportunities to Advance God’s Kingdom

God gave you spiritual sovereignty so you could influence others and further His Kingdom, not so you could have personal tranquility. You lose out on divine opportunities to speak life, pray for someone, or take daring ministry actions when you are not acting in accordance with your spiritual authority.

In Matthew 28:18-19 (NIV), Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…” He handed that authority to us—not to sit on it, but to walk in authority and bring transformation wherever we go.

You limit God’s ability to use you as well as yourself when you are unclear about your purpose or too scared to take action. Understanding spiritual authority and how it enables you to bring Heaven to earth is therefore essential.

Explore real-life stories in Creation Cries where ordinary believers tapped into their identity and saw God work through them in extraordinary ways. These testimonies remind us that spiritual dominion isn’t reserved for pastors or leaders—it’s for every child of God.

You Constantly Seek External Validation Instead of Trusting God’s Word About Who You Are

Your reliance on outside approval is a subtle but potent indicator that you are not living under authority. Do you seek approval from other people all the time? When others do not recognize, congratulate, or approve of you, do you feel defeated?

This happens when you haven’t fully internalized your identity in Christ. When Jesus was baptized, the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17, NKJV). That same affirmation belongs to you. When you know who you are in Christ, you stop needing the world’s applause and start living for God’s approval.

To operate in dominion is to put your faith in God’s Word above your emotions or the opinions of others. You are not paralyzed by insecurity or tossed by criticism. You live with conviction, talk with authority, and move with purpose because you are aware of your divine positioning and deep love.

You Treat Prayer and the Word as Last Resorts Instead of Primary Weapons of Dominion

Prayer is not a last resort. The Word is not a quote meant to inspire. You are not using your spiritual authority to its fullest if you find yourself using these tools as a last option instead of as everyday weapons.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) tells us, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” Prayer and the Word are not only your defense—they’re your offense. When you’re walking in dominion, these become your first response, not your final attempt.

Believers with authority push into prayer when life pushes in. They boldly proclaim the Bible. They order circumstances to conform to the will of Heaven. This is about being in unity with God, not about being conceited.

Stop waiting for breakthrough to come from the outside. It’s already in you. Your identity in Christ impacts your dominion—here’s how: when you believe the Word, speak the Word, and act on the Word, you release God’s power in every situation.

FAQS

1. What does it really mean to have spiritual authority as a Christian?

Spiritual authority is the divine right and power given to believers through Jesus Christ to act on His behalf and enforce His will on earth. This isn’t about controlling others but about taking dominion over spiritual darkness, fear, sin, and anything that contradicts God’s Kingdom.

When you understand what spiritual authority really means, you begin to pray boldly, speak life, resist the enemy, and walk in confidence—not because of your own strength, but because of your identity in Christ. Luke 10:19 reminds us, “Behold, I give you the authority… over all the power of the enemy.”

2. How do I know if I’m not walking in my God-given dominion?

If you constantly struggle with fear, indecisiveness, spiritual stagnation, or a lack of boldness in your faith, these may be signs you’re not fully walking in spiritual dominion. God’s design is for His children to walk in authority through faith, grounded in their identity in Christ.

Pay attention to your spiritual habits, your mindset, and how you respond to life’s challenges. Are you reacting in fear or standing firm in faith? The blog offers five clear signs that will help you identify whether you’re living beneath the authority Christ paid for.

3. What practical steps can I take to begin walking in authority and dominion today?

Start by renewing your mind with God’s Word and declaring who you are in Christ daily. Your identity in Christ impacts your dominion—here’s how: when you believe you’re seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), you’ll stop tolerating spiritual defeat. Stay rooted in prayer, align your thoughts with Scripture, and surround yourself with faith-filled community.

Reading powerful testimonies like those in Creation Cries can also inspire and reignite your purpose. Remember, walking in authority is not a one-time event but a daily journey of faith and obedience.

Step Boldly into the Spiritual Authority You Were Always Meant to Walk In

You were never intended to live in dread, confusion, or spiritual failure. You have divine authority, the kind that changes atmospheres, breaks bonds, and advances the Kingdom, because you are God’s child. If any of the aforementioned signals apply to you, realize that God has set up His people for success and that the moment is now.

You do not have to doubt your value or remain in a state of spiritual stagnation. You do not have to back down when things get tough. Your authority has been established by God’s Word, and you are empowered to exercise it by His Spirit. You may restore your dominion and carry out His Kingdom mission by having faith, being authentic, and obeying boldly.

Let this serve as a reminder to you. Get your faith going. Become more purposeful. Above all, learn the true meaning of spiritual authority so that you can live each day with courage, serenity, and strength.