Meditation in the Word

""Be Imitators of God""

February, 2010

Ephesians 5:1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children (NASB)
In our world today we hear lots of discussion about role models. Pressure is sometimes placed on athletes to be role models because of the many young people who esteem and idolize them. Some of these athletes have openly said that they did not wish to be role models because they want to live their lives without holding to standards of morality and integrity dictated by society. In the scripture for meditation Paul is speaking to the Ephesian church to be imitators of God as children. This analogy is quite appropriate since children have similar character, mannerisms, and actions as their parents. Paul knew that the life of God could only be expressed in a community of believers as they show forth His character as revealed through Jesus Christ. Because God is our Father, we as born again believers, should have His characteristics. Jesus is our supreme example. When He walked this earth, He said on two separate occasions that He only did what He saw His Father do, and He only spoke what His Father said (John 5:19; 8:38). In other words, He as a Son imitated His Father. We as sons of God must do likewise.

The word imitate means to seek to follow the example of, or, take as one’s model or pattern. With this definition in mind, we can say that Paul is telling the Ephesians to act like God in showing forth His character to others. The scriptures inform us repeatedly that God is love and others will know that we are His disciples if we act like Him in giving of ourselves in love to others. You cannot imitate God if you hold grudges and harbor unforgiveness in your heart. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that we are not only to love those who are our friends, but those who persecute us and speak evil against us, which also includes our enemies. We were enemies of the Cross but God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16) that we could become His sons. He demonstrated His love toward us and we are to do the same.
As imitators of God, we will follow Jesus’ example of righteousness and holiness. Of course we cannot do this of our own volition. IICorinthians 5 verse 17 tells us that we are made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus which means that we stand in the righteousness of God because of Jesus’ death on the Cross. With the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we have the enabling grace to live righteously. We will not be among those who live immoral and dishonest lives. In fact, Paul says in verses 3-5 that such things as fornication, filthiness and uncleanness should not even be named among those who are believers. He also states that foolish talking, flippant chatter, and unkind jesting should not be a part of our lives, but rather, the giving of thanks to God. Those who imitate God will speak those things that edify and bless others.

Finally, as imitators of God we should strive every day to please Him in all that we do so that our lives become inextricably tied to His life. It is in so doing that we will manifest a lifestyle that imitates that of the great God whom we serve.
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-25

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"Draw Near to God" September, 2009
"True Worshippers" August, 2009
"Dare to be Different" July, 2009
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"You’ve Got to Tell Somebody" February, 2009
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""Every Day Give Thanks"" November, 2008
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"Are You Rich Toward God?" May, 2008
"Is God Your Father?" April, 2008
"Obedience to God" March, 2008
"Trust in the Lord" February, 2008
"A Matter of Choice" January, 2008

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