"1Therefore 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
People all over the world, at some time in their life, imitate somebody. With children, it may be their parents; or it may be a pop star or a football hero. Adults, may model themselves on an upright person in the church or, possibly a movie or pop star. Kids may stand in the mirror with a hairbrush acting as a microphone singing the latest music and boys may attempt to score goals like their hero's do. For children, it is normal, they are growing up and finding their feet; but for adults, God may look at you and feel that He doesn't know you, you're not who He created you to be.
The word imitate in verse 1 is the same word as mimic. Paul was simply arguing that children are like their parents, a fact that can be encouraging or embarrassing to those who have children. Children mimic or follow what they see demonstrated by their fathers and mothers. God's children are to copy their Heavenly Father. The Son, Jesus, put His Father on display (John 1:18), So if you don't know how to pattern yourself after the Father, just take a closer look at Jesus.
I mentioned in the first paragraph, that some Christian adults model themselves on upright people in the church. We need to be careful here; what we see may not be a full picture. They may be struggling within their own life and equally, may be copying someone else. The only copy that the Father is interested in is the copy He created, and that is you, not the upright person in the church. He is the one we need to be modelling. You were born an original, don't die a copy unless it's a copy of Jesus.
A copy is an imitation or reproduction of an original, a duplicate. By being an imitator of God means that you are an imitation, a reproduction of the original, which is God the Father and His Son Jesus. Now that sounds pretty good to me and perfectly acceptable to God. Therefore, model yourself on the only One who matters, Jesus Christ and you'll be on the road to success.
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'
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
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