Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. Ephesians 5:1 Ephesians 5:1 (AMPC)
REFERENCE
Ephesians 5:1-7 (AMPC)
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a term used to describe a child that exhibits similar character, similar qualities, or imitates his/her parents. To imitate someone is to behave or copy the way the person behaves. Paul in this passage admonishes believers to be imitators of God by following His example; i.e. to be similar to Him in speech, deeds, and in character, so what He represents becomes second nature to the believer.
Imitating God means living and walking in love because God is love; so, when you walk in love, you show that you are like God. Furthermore, it means not accepting the world’s standards – as clearly outlined in this passage. The standard of the world may be desirable, but it is alien to our culture as believers. It is filthy, forbidden, and abominable. Paul emphatically said, “Do not associate or be sharers with them.”
Thus, our lifestyle as believers has to show we are God’s children and not illegitimate children. We should allow the very life of God in us through the Holy Spirit to flow out unrestrained. When we are faced with temptation, our initial thoughts should be, “How can I imitate God in this situation?” If the temptation is an immoral thought, imitating God in that instance would mean submitting to what His Word says about handling our thoughts. Whatever the temptation, we must consciously submit to and follow the prescribed way of handling it according to the examples we see from the written Word of God.
When we continually imitate God, we end up being like Him because we inevitably become what we focus on. His ways become our ways. His thoughts become our thoughts. His nature becomes second nature to us; and His desires become our passion. Together we become as hand-in-glove. And this is beneficial to the kingdom of God because our godly lives will become the lenses through which the unsaved will come to see and know Him. Then it can be said of us, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Take a minute; ask yourself these questions, “Who/What do I imitate? Is it the pure undiluted Word of God or what the world projects? Is my life an imitation of the life Jesus exemplified through grace or is it an imitation of what the world teaches through social media, TV, and popular culture?’
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY
I John 4:7-16, I Corinthians 11:1, & Philippians 4:8-9
PRAYER
Dear Father, it is my desire to honor You and please You as your dearly beloved child. Today, I determine to focus my gaze on You, to imitate You and follow Your every impulse because there is nothing else I want more than to become just like You. So, help me God in Jesus’ name. Amen.
