A Journey Through Ephesians…5:1-2

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. (amplified)

Sometimes I just can’t help myself – the Amplified translation is the ONLY way to go. Today, was one of those days.

You know what I wish I had? I wish I had a painting or something on my wall or nightstand so, as soon as my feet hit the ground, I would look up and see the words of Jesus, “Follow me.” Wouldn’t that be the best?

I get so fixated on the destination of my journey with God. “Where are we going, God? What are you doing with my life? Am I making the right decisions to get where you want me to be?!” etc, etc, etc. But REALLY, all Jesus asked of His disciples was to simply, “Follow Him”….

So maybe I am asking the wrong question.

What if, instead of asking, “Where am I going?” I asked, “What am I doing?”

That question has a much clearer explanation throughout scripture.

So believer, what are we doing?……

Answer: Imitating the example of Jesus… copying Him, walking continually in love, valuing one another, practicing empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others, rejoicing always, showing kindness, not envying or boasting, being humble, being slow to anger, keeping no record of wrongs, rejoicing in truth, trusting in the Father, getting away with God for prayer, laying hands on the sick, loving you neighbor, keeping peace, practicing patience, remaining faithful, resisting Satan’s lies, speaking Scripture, moving towards the outcast, fasting, sharing the Gospel, practicing hospitality, giving generously, living in community with other believers, dying to myself, picking up my cross daily and following God…..

You see? This is what we are doing. Jesus stuff.

TODAY.

This subtle shift is question asking makes for a much more satisfying answer.

I may not know exactly “where” Jesus is taking me, but I sure do know that I am to follow Him… Imitating Him, becoming like Him and learning what He might do if He were me. Here today in 2023.

I encourage you today, brother or sister, to make imitating God (copying Him and following His example) a priority on your “things to do” list. Today. Everyday. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, His Word, and your heart attuned to His Spirit within you…. abide in Him and He in you. This daily pursuit is how we grow more and more in His image.

(and the Lord reminded me of this post from TWELVE years ago. I couldn’t help but repost. I hope it blesses you as it did me…)

Doctor’s Orders: “Be Imitators”(Repost from October 26, 2011)

A couple of weeks back, we visited our pediatrition for Luke’s three-year-old well-check. After the initial weigh in and measurements, his nurse handed me a sheet informing me of age appropriate behaviors, learning patterns and growth expectancies. 

This sheet said something about Luke’s development that made me a bit nervous.

Mimicking:Learns by imitating speech sounds an behaviors of those around him.

I thought, “Oh no. This kid will never be right.”

The biggest influences on his life are awesome : but they are eight and five-years-old. His brothers.Luke watches everything they do. He says everything that they say. They are rowdy, rough, tumble, energetic, loud and competitive little boys.

Does this mean that Luke will grow up tackling his friends in class and spouting out football jargon in Sunday school. 

Chances are high, yes.

As soon as the boys hopped in the van after school, I showed them Luke’s pediatritian sheet. “Boys, I want you to see how much influence you all have over your youngest brother. Today, the doctor confirmed how much Luke learns from you. He watches almost everything you do. Wow. What a honor God has given you all as older brothers!”

They leaned over my seat to see the handout.

“You know what else is neat? Luke learns so much from you, but we can learn a lot from him.”

Grant piped in, “Like what?”

“The Bible says we are to be imitators, too. Just like little children. Like little Lukey. But we are to imitate God. The more we know God, the more we will look like him. The more time we spend with Him, the easier it becomes to mimic Him. We tend to look and act like those we spend time with the most.”

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1,2

This made sense to them. They see first hand, every day, how much Luke wants to be like his brothers. Any given day you may see Luke stomping down stairs in a football helmet screaming Touchdown. He begs me to take him to “big school like Grant.” He plays with their Lego’s and knows more about Star Wars than any three-year-old should.

“And you know what else is neat?” I continued, “The more we imitate Jesus, the more we look like Him, the more Luke will want to look like Jesus, too. He can see Christ in you. Cool beans, eh?”

“Yea, cool.”

So maybe we’re not doomed. Yes, Luke may tackle his friends at church and know first downs and field goals a bit early, yet he also might pick up on the love of Christ. Not a bad combo. I’ll take it.

If you have a wide range of ages around your house, this may help your kiddos understand what it means to be imitators of God as dearly loved children.

Be Blessed, Becky