Be Imitators Of God

-September 17, 2021-

Good morning, happy Friday,

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Most of his have heard the famous expression, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” But we must be careful who we imitate! Paul states very clearly that we should be imitators of God as dear children. Children tend to imitate their parents in how they dress, in what they say, and in what they do. That is why parents have such a great responsibility, especially in spiritual things.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word imitate is defined as, “to take or follow as a model.” An imitator is thus “a person who copies the behavior or actions of another.” It is indeed a heavy responsibility to follow good role models and as well as to be good role models ourselves. This is exactly what we have before us today: imitating or following God as dear children and following Paul’s example.

We are the dear children of God. There is no better example and role model than our Lord Jesus Christ. The disciples followed Christ His entire earthly ministry and were eyewitnesses of His life, words, and miracles, and His resurrection from the dead. He called them with two words, “Follow Me.” Jesus not only taught them what to do and what not to do, He showed them. He practiced what He preached. His example was perfect because He was and is perfect.

Christ called Paul as an apostle and servant of the Lord. He became the greatest apostle of all. He was so humble and always pointed people to our Savior. He wrote, “Be imitators of me, just as I also imitate Christ.” We may wonder how did He learn to imitate Christ? He spent fourteen years alone with Christ in Arabia before beginning his ministry. That is exactly what it takes for us too: spend time alone with Jesus in prayer and His word especially on a daily basis. There are no shortcuts to godliness and spiritual maturity. It takes effort and hard work.

There are many examples of those in Scripture who imitated others who imitated God: Joshua with Moses, Elisha with Elijah, and Timothy, Titus, and others with Paul. We all need good mentors to follow and learn from. Then we can become mentors of others. It is the best way of teaching and training.

Have a blessed day imitating Christ and others who imitate Him. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean