Imitators Of God

 

Every little girl loves to play dress up. I vividly remember going into my mother's closet and putting on her dresses and wearing jewelry from her jewelry box. Spraying on her perfumes and playing with her makeup. And, as I played dress up, I would get absolutely lost in the moment as I imitated my mother. Copying her mannerisms and simply "being" her.  

Now, as I think back on my moments of dress up, I know that it was so easy to imitate my mom because I was always around her. Spending time with her.  I knew her because of that intimate mother-daughter relationship.  I knew her because of what I observed and learned by simply being in her presence as her child.

As daughters of God, we are called to "imitate" Him. Following His example and allowing Him to be revealed through our lives. 

(1)THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. Ephesians 5:1 AMP

The word imitate means to copy.  We are to copy our Father and to be as He is.  To be holy, as He is holy. To be love as He is love. All that He is, we are to be in the Earth.  Our life may be the only way someone else experiences Christ. Ask yourself the following question. Is someone else worth dying for?  And, I don't mean dying for in a literal sense here. But, is someone else's life worth you laying down your own will and agenda, so that through you, Christ can be revealed to them? 

Our ultimate, daily goal is to live as Jesus lived.  He gave up everything so that we could have everything. We are to walk as He walked so that others might see the Father & be drawn to the amazing God they see displayed through us.  

This is how Jesus walked on the Earth each day. 

For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me. (John 6:38 AMP)

There was nothing more important to Jesus than fulfilling the purposes of His Father. Making Him known and revealing the Father to the world.  This is the life we must imitate. 

Let's look at John 5:19. 

So Jesus explained, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (John 5:19 NLT)

This is how we must pattern our lives as imitators of God.  Seeking to please our Father.  Desiring His Presence and remaining in a place of intimacy with Him. Intimacy is what enables us to imitate Him. 

Intimacy with God is never an option. We must be one with Him. Seeking to know Him more and more each day. Seeking to live a life on the Earth that is pleasing and acceptable to Him. 

(10)And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. (Ephesians 5:10 AMP)

Our lives are to be "constant proofs" of what is acceptable to Him.  Constant. Our heart's cry must be, that we can live our life in such a way that brings Him honor and glory as we imitate Him in the Earth. 

Prayer:  Father, I pray that I can know you and your heart in a greater way. My desire is that I can imitate You in a way that is pleasing. Allowing all that you are to be seen and experienced through all that I am. 

About the Author :

Pastor Pamela Bell is a passionate, lover of God, who desires to see God's people walk in the knowledge of who they are in Christ. She resides in Mobile, AL and serves as an Elder at her church, Gulf Coast Christian Center. Pastor Pamela enjoys reading, spending time with friends and all things chocolate.