Genesis: A Blueprint for Policy and Governance (Part Two)– The Transition from Creation to Humanity’s Responsibility

Catherine Guillaume-Sackey
Mar 10
4 min read

Updated: Jun 18

Catherine (🇭🇹Guillaume🇭🇹) Sackey, MPAP

She/Her

The Foundation of Governance in Creation

God had meticulously established a system of order before humanity was introduced. Water, land, and vegetation each had their designated roles and territories, ensuring balance and sustainability. Genesis 2:5-6 reminds us that before rain ever touched the earth, streams rose from the ground to water the fertile land, allowing vegetation to flourish. The earth operated in harmony, a self-sustaining ecosystem providing food and shelter for all living things.

This principle reflects how governance should function—structured policies must precede societal participation. The foundation must be strong, with established systems that support sustainability before people enter the equation.

The Transfer of Power: Stewardship Entrusted to Humanity

On the sixth day, God transitioned governance from creation itself to humanity. In Genesis 1:26 (CEB), He declares:

“Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”

This was not merely a bestowal of authority but a responsibility of stewardship. Leadership, in its purest form, is about preserving and enhancing what has been entrusted to us. God’s charge to humanity in Genesis 1:28 reinforces this:

- Be fruitful – Thrive and contribute meaningfully.

- Multiply – Reproduce and expand.

- Fill the earth and master it – Take responsibility, govern wisely, and learn from creation.

The Completion of Work: The Seventh Day and the Principle of Rest

On the seventh day, God rested. This act was not due to exhaustion but to set a precedent. Governance and leadership require balance—creation was not meant to be an endless cycle of toil but one that integrates reflection and renewal.

This principle aligns with sustainable policy-making. Systems must include mechanisms for assessment and recalibration. Just as God stepped back to acknowledge that His work was complete, effective governance must allow for review and restoration.

The Shift of Blame and the Failure of Responsibility

Genesis 3 marks the first failure of governance. Adam and Eve, entrusted with dominion over creation, were deceived, but the true failure came after their disobedience—when God entered the garden and asked them what had happened. Instead of taking responsibility, blame was passed down in a chain reaction:

- Adam blamed Eve – "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." (Genesis 3:12)

- Eve blamed the serpent – "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." (Genesis 3:13)

The consequences were immediate:

- Loss of privilege

- Loss of trust

- Disruption of order

This moment in Genesis is a profound lesson in governance—without accountability, leadership collapses.

A Modern Parable: The Three Women and the Serpent

While reflecting on Genesis, I witnessed an interaction in the library that mirrored the dynamics of Adam, Eve, and the serpent. Three women engaged in conversation, each representing different postures of wisdom, eagerness, and deception. The second woman, eager to share, later recognized the subtle manipulation of the third woman and ended the conversation. Just as wisdom can prevent leadership failures, discernment can protect against manipulation.

Political Parallels: The Empty Promises of Power

This dynamic also plays out in politics. Consider a political leader who rises to power by promising reforms and transparency.

Over time:

- Promises remain unfulfilled

- Policies favor select groups

- Manipulative rhetoric replaces accountability

Eventually, blame is shifted:

- Politicians blame the previous administration

- Lawmakers blame the system

- Corporations blame the economy

This reinforces the importance of wisdom, accountability, and checks and balances in governance.

Final Reflection

The story of Genesis teaches us that leadership must be grounded in wisdom, not just enthusiasm. Adam and Eve had everything they needed to govern wisely, but without discernment, they fell into deception. By reflecting God’s image and treating governance as a work of art, we can restore order and accountability—ensuring leadership serves its true purpose.

Reference Guide

All Scripture citations are from The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011).

- Genesis 1:26 – Humanity entrusted with stewardship

- Genesis 1:28 – Be fruitful, multiply, and govern

- Genesis 2:5-6 – Streams watered the ground before rain

- Genesis 3:12-13 – The blame shift in Eden

Policy Over Politics Leadership Note

This teaching is part of the Policy Over Politics Christian Leadership Series. Every lesson is written to help align the leader's heart and decisions with the policy of God’s Word over the politics of the soul. Where policy represents God’s unchanging truth, politics represents the shifting desires, emotions, and negotiations of the flesh. Alignment requires that obedience, faith, and trust converge—so that God’s kingdom order governs both personal life and leadership decisions.

Definition of Leadership

Leadership is the stewardship of alignment—the ability to govern oneself, others, and assignments according to God’s divine order. It is not built on performance, power, or popularity, but on the leader’s capacity to obey, believe, and trust God fully while carrying others through their gaps until alignment is complete.