Be more like Jesus

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."                 Ephesians 5:1-2   NKJV

Our practical goals are summed up with the word "imitators." Paul uses a commanding tone here: the phrase "be imitators" is an imperative. Paul commands those who follow God to imitate Him. This means striving to do as He would do. Put it this way, as God's children, we are encouraged to be just like Him, rather like children who model themselves on their parents, we too, are encouraged to imitate Jesus in every way. We stand a better chance of being more like Him when we do this.

When we begin to live this way, our whole life changes. Where we once were argumentative, because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, we are more likely to be diplomatic in risky situations. Rather like our text today explains, we walk in love and carry the aroma of Jesus with us; therefore, we are more likely to handle contentious areas. One way we can change is our attitude in which we approach a problem with other people. This largely determines the outcome. For instance, if someone has deeply upset us and we approach this person with all guns blazing, the outcome is not going to be very Christlike. However, if we approach it in a Christlike manner with no aggression in sight, we are more likely to be able to resolve the matter or, at least, bring about some peaceful resolution.

As you know, being like Jesus is not easy. We may meet many unbelievers during our week and many of them are ok. However, there is always the stubborn or aggressive one, looking for an argument. Sometimes it is better to avoid them but it is not always possible and we have to deal with them in one way or another. The thing is to be like Jesus, not like this person who may be shouting the odds in front of you. As one pastor wrote 'No Attack - No Defence'. We do not need to attack this person or defend ourselves, we need to be just like Jesus.

A good guide to have is to think what would Jesus do or say here, or how would He handle the situation? It can really help but, remember, Jesus didn't always have it easy but the thing is, He never let His Father down. Sadly, we may do this, but we will have Jesus with us and that will be really helpful

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. 

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

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