Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1
There is a reason why the word “Christian” begins with the very name of Christ. You see, the name Christian was given to followers of Christ because they acted like Him. They reminded people of Christ and they spoke like Him. They talked about Him openly. Because of this, they gained a reputation as “Christians” that carries on to followers of Christ today. This means that you and I also have a responsibility to carry the name of Jesus and raise our children to do the same. We get to decide if we will be known as people who acted like Christ.
The apostle Paul encourages followers of God to imitate Him in everything they do throughout the New Testament books that He wrote. One of those places is in Ephesians 5. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children” (verse 1). Now, what I love about this verse is that it is extremely clear. We know exactly what Paul is asking us to do: imitate God. It is clear that our call is to imitate, or act like, Christ. Not only do we know what we are supposed to do, we also know why we are supposed to do it: because we are God’s children. As His children, we are to represent Him and His character.
This calling to imitate God as His children is certainly clear and easy to understand, but it is not always as easy to carry out. It takes intentionality. It takes clarity. It takes a deep understanding of God and His character. Although it is not always easy to carry out, it is worthwhile work. After all, it is a command in Scripture. As His people, we are called to carry His name by acting like Him and sharing His character with our children, first of all, and with the world.
My friend, what do you want to be known for? What do you want your children to be known for? Do your actions and lifestyle point others to Christ? Do they model Christ? It is time that you and I decide every day to imitate God because we are His beloved children.
In order live the way that Jesus lived, we must understand just how Jesus lived. In your journal or a notebook, write down specific ways that Jesus lived. Write down the things you read about Him doing in the New Testament and about His characteristics. What was important to Him? What was not important? As you write these characteristics, think about ways you can model these attitudes, actions, and characteristics in your own life.
Read Ephesians 5:1-14 (NLT)
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
©2024 Sagebrush Church
