Be imitators of God, as beloved children…
Ephesians 5:1
What does it really mean to be an imitator of God? I had been thinking about this verse for several days wondering what it means for me. Then our l0-month-old grandson came with his parents to spend the weekend with us. It became very clear that everything he learned came from observing and imitating those around him. I tried to teach him to call me Nana. What a joy to hear him repeating the sounds “na-na-na-na.” In order to be imitators of God, we must spend lots of time with Him listening to His words through reading the Bible and asking Him to show us what He wants us to see and hear each day. It is a moment-by-moment walk with God that will encourage us to imitate Him. He wants to live His life through us. We are to be His hands and feet and voice reaching out with His love to those He brings into our life each day.
The rest of Ephesians 5 and continuing into chapter 6 explains some specific details about being imitators of God. Two categories become apparent as we read these chapters — negatives and positives. Do not act this way, but do this instead. First, let’s look at the negatives: There is to be no immorality or impurity, or greed, no filthiness, silly talk or coarse jesting. We are not to participate in unfruitful deeds of darkness. We are not to be foolish or drunk with wine (Ephesians 5:3, 4, 11, 18).
Now let’s look at His instruction for the positive behavior. He tells us to walk in love, as Christ loved you, and gave Himself up for us…walk as children of light (the fruit is goodness, righteousness, truth) …learn what is pleasing to the Lord…be careful how we walk, making the most of our time. For a second time we are told to understand what the will of the Lord is and be filled with the Spirit and encourage each other with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…always giving thanks to the Father… be subject to one another in the fear of Christ (Ephesians 5:1, 8-10, 15-20). He then goes on to explain relationships with husbands and wives, children, fathers, slaves and masters. He tells us to be strong in the Lord by putting on the full spiritual armor that He provides. Finally, we are to pray at all times in the Spirit.
God’s standards for us are high. If we begin to compare ourselves with people around us, we can be guilty of thinking we are much better than they are — we could think, “I would never do what they do; I would never go to the places they go; I’m pretty good compared to them.” Or the opposite could be true – “I could never be as wise as they are; I could never be as good as they are.” We all fall short when we hold ourselves up to God’s standards, but I’m so encouraged by God’s promise in Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB) The lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Children learn by observing people in their environment. Let us, as God’s beloved children, observe Him, walk with Him moment by moment, and learn what is pleasing to Him.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Below are two lists from Ephesians 5, the list of negative behaviors we are to avoid, and a list of positive behaviors we are to pursue. Take some time to consider each item on both lists. Ask the Lord to show you any attitudes or actions that need to change, and then give you the power by His Spirit to make that change. Be encouraged in the areas where you are making progress.
Negatives
immorality
impurity
greed
filthiness
silly talk
coarse jesting
unfruitful deeds of darkness
foolishness
drunk with wine
Positives
walk in love, as Christ loved you
walk as children of light (the fruit is goodness, righteousness, truth)
learn what is pleasing to the Lord
be careful how you walk, making the most of your time
understand what the will of the Lord is
be filled with the Spirit
encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
always giving thanks to the Father
be subject to one another
be strong in the Lord, putting on the full armor
pray at all times in the Spirit
Thank you, Sherrilyn, this is so helpful. I was looking at Romans 12:2 which says that if we allow God to change the way we think, we will learn to know His will for us. You are so right that we should not compare ourselves with others. God’s plan is very individual, and He reveals His will to each of us one step at a time. I am so thankful for that.