Imitation and Example

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)
¹ Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
² 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.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Charles Caleb Colton

This passage speaks to us about two sides of a coin. On one side, we have the obligation to imitate God. We do this in everything in our lives—our speech, our actions, and even our decisions. We live our life filled with love, looking to Christ as our example upon whom we imitate. His love for us took Him to Calvary, where He sacrificed Himself for the forgiveness of our sins. Our willingness to follow the example set by Him means we will give of ourselves in service to others sacrificially. We give of our time, our talent and our tithe!

But the passage also speaks to the example that we must be to others who are watching us. The greatest eyes watching us are our children. They seek to imitate us in all that we do. Often co-workers look to imitate us as well. As we example Christ before them, they seek our lives as examples for their own. Even strangers can watch and learn from us. Correcting the change given by the cashier—even when it’s too much, can be a great example of Christian honesty. Actions often speak louder than words.

Prayer Points for the day

1. Pray for your church family

2. Pray for your church leadership

3. Thank the Lord for Jesus and pray that God will allow you to imitate Him in your life and be an example of Jesus in your life to those who see you every day.

1 John 2:6 (NLT)
⁶ Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.