…the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish⁠—the very works that I do⁠—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. …

— John 5:36-37

We are the continuation of the testimony of the reality of Christ when we obey God in accomplishing the work He prepared beforehand, that we should accomplish in Jesus name and power. As God bore testimony of Jesus being all He said He was, so He does for us as we live Him, knowing it is no longer I who live, but Christ living in me. We live, accomplishing the Work God planned beforehand, that we should walk in them, “In Jesus name”: in His authority, as representing Him and His interests. (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:8-10)

What is the work we are to do? Here’s some initial thoughts. We are called and equipped to:

1. Pray in Jesus name, as authorized by Him and with His interests at heart as our first, most vital need and desire. (John 15:15-16; 1 John 5:14-16)

2. We are salt in the world. We are light as He is light, bearing forth the fruit of His Spirit (Matthew 5:13-16; John 15:1-17; Galatians 5:22-23). Thus we…

a. Love: as God loves, unconditionally and with our all for all time and in every situation, out of our who, unhindered by the do of those we love (1 John 4:7-21).

b. Rejoice with Spirit Joy: that joy in the Lord that is strength to us, filling us up, resting us, unhindered by life circumstance (Nehemiah 8:10-11; Romans 14:17; Romans 5:3, AMPC, 1 Peter 4:12-13).

c. Peace: that comes from God, beyond comprehension, umpiring life (Colossians 3:15; Romans 14:17)

d. Patience: enduring perseverance that stands firm in the wait with a good attitude and gratitude (Psalm 46:10; Ephesians 4:1-2; Hebrews 10:36; Colossians 3:12 see in Amplified Classic).

e-i. Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control: all of which (a-i) flow from who we now are in Christ Jesus, the image of God, living and active in us. Being God’s light, portraying the image of God in the world is the work of Christ by the power of His Spirit through us (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Colossians 1:24).

3. Being ready in season and out of season to bear testimony of God’s work in us, His grace toward us (2 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 Peter 3:14-16).

4. Remaining in Christ, fully clothed in the new self with all humility, submitting to God and His way in all things and at all times (Titus 3:1; Colossians 3:1-17).

5. Bearing the armor of God in readiness to fight the good fight of faith at all times (Ephesians 6:10-18):

a. having our head – thought life – protected by faith in the salvation we have in Christ;

b. our breast – heart – covered with the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus that is ours to possess;

c. being girded, wrapped up, and held secure by truth;

e. having feet shod, covered and made ready wherever we go to carry the peace we have with God by the gift of Christ, sharing it with all we meet;

f. bearing God’s Word as a sword, which is able to pierce heart, bone, and marrow;

g. covered with faith as an impenetrable shield;

h. praying constantly in the Spirit, in constant communication with our God and King;

i. praying especially for those on the frontlines of our faith.

And there’s so much more:

Man and woman, together as one, loving, respecting, cherishing, nurturing, completing each other, raising up families to the glory of God.

People of God, the church, the very body of Christ, strengthening, encouraging, and helping each other be our best selves in Christ, the very image of God.

I could go on and on. Suffice to say, God did not leave us with little to do. We are a people of purpose.

Every breath is worthwhile and accomplishes God’s glory as we remember the call of God in bearing the image of God as light in a dark world. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for we once were not a people, but now we are the people of God; we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, do dishes, or serve on a special call mission field, in whatsoever your hands find to do, do all to the glory of God, giving thanks to Him in Jesus name. (1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17)

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3