Imitators of God

Ephesians 5:1 tells us a few things. First, who we are called to be is because of who God is and what God has already done. Secondly, we are beloved children of God. Thirdly, because we are sons of daughters of God, whom he loves with an everlasting love, we are called to imitate God. So here are three things to consider as we imitate God, in Christ.

1) Keep the pattern in view -

The Christian ethic is a relational, reflective ethic, we must always keep before us both the pattern of God’s character and the reality of our relations. This is why images such as “in Christ” or “the body” are of such practical importance. We will not reflect what is not present to or in us, and we cannot copy what we do not see.

consider listening to this hymn - " Where he leads, I'll follow" --He's a pattern for me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fph3zNUAXNM

2) Reject self-centeredness;

Awareness of our relations both with God and with other people is also the key to rejecting self-centeredness. None of the commands in this passage can be followed as long as the primary interest is oneself. Only when our attention is shifted to something greater than ourselves can we escape the prison of self-interest. If we are conscious that the Spirit is in us, marking us as belonging to God and therefore under his direction. A Christian needs to look no further than to the cross to see the imitating God is rejecting self-centeredness. Remember what Jesus said in the Garden as He asked his Father to remove the cup of suffering. Then he surrendered, "Not my will, but yours be done."

3) Align our will to imitate God, to imitate Christ

Obedience to these commands also requires a conscious choice and discipline, for they are contrary to our nature. We must grasp the imperative and choose obedience. This is not “works righteousness,” for we make our choices in response to God and his presence, but human will and discipline are necessary.

If God is the pattern, integrity, we must show integrity

He is characterized by truth, and His people should be as well.

If God is characterized by mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, His people should be as well.

Imitating God should permeate all facets of our life and our being. While this may seem like a tall task, remember that God has given us a newness, through the riches of God grace and the indwelling of the Spirit we are capable to throw off the old pattern and look to the new pattern, which starts with seeking God in the Spirit and as Paul says in Ephesians 5:18-20.

Instead, be filled with the Spirit,speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. A life of humility, obedience, and thanks to God the father.