by leaps and bounds

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no man can work (John 9:4).

When Jesus walked this earth, He was completely committed to doing the work God sent Him to do- all the way to the cross, the tomb and the resurrection. Now we are commissioned to continue the work. In John 14:12 Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” To do God’s work as we should, there are some “musts” to follow.

To do God’s work, we must be friendly. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly…”(Proverbs 18:24) Unfriendliness harms our Christian witness, disappoints others and displeases God. When we are welcoming and understanding toward people, we can create a desire in others to be Christians.

As believers, we must also demonstrate forgiveness. After all, we have been forgiven by our Lord. The following words of Jesus are so important to us:

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15).

Romans 12:11 says we should not lag in diligence. The same verse says we must be fervent in spirit while we are serving the Lord. We cannot be lethargic and lack concern for God’s work. We must be intensely devoted and earnest. Our time, talents and treasures must be geared toward endeavors that have eternal value.

Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”(John 15:16) It is easy to lose our enthusiasm for the Lord’s work at times. When this happens our fruit is limited and our growth is stunted. We must be fruitful, so we have to be continually renewed by God’s Spirit so our zeal for His work does not wane.

Finally, we must be faithful. When we are weak, we hold fast to Him. When we are floundering, we continue to trust Him and rely on His strength to accomplish the tasks He gives to us. According to Revelation 2:10, faithfulness will result in a crown of life for each person who never gives up.

Believers are not to simply occupy a seat at church on Sunday morning. We are called to continue the work of God while we are here on this earth. The eternal destiny of others depends on our commitment to the work of God- growing His kingdom one soul at a time.

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Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.