Scripture
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
In Ephesians 5 Paul tells us to be “imitators of Christ.” Just like we all did as children, we would mimic the behavior and characteristics of our parents; we are to imitate the behaviors and characteristics of Christ. Hannah would do that a lot with Scott, when she was younger. They both had a way of biting on their lips when they are concentrating on a task. It’s hilarious to watch because they look so very much alike! I would do something similar with my older sister, Dawn. I would copy everything she did or said and would act like her at home. It drove her crazy and caused some heated scuffles between us! Funny, because isn’t there a saying or proverb that says: “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”? Hmmm…..food for thought Dawnie!
When we imitate Jesus more – we don’t have to wonder what our behavior should be in any given situation. In the Bible we have the biography of Christ as our perfect example of how to respond to the circumstances we face each day with humility, love, wisdom, patience, kindness and grace.
This passage in Ephesians tells us that we imitate Jesus by walking in love. But what does it mean to walk in love? When you take a walk, as opposed to a run, it allows you the ability to get a clearer picture of the things that surround you. We walk in love when we give careful attention to the moments of our lives with a mindfulness that sends each and every thought, encounter, action and reaction through the filter of “Am I thinking, speaking and treating others the way Jesus would if He were in my shoes right now?” We walk in love when we reflect the nature of God in our thoughts and behavior. This is something we can all practice more of in our daily lives! Look for ways this week where you can be a blessing to someone else.
Charles Spurgeon wrote that believers are to be a “striking likeness of Jesus Christ”… so striking a likeness that the world will say of us, “he has been with Jesus; he has been taught of Him; he is like Him.”
For the Kiddos:
Enter:
What characteristics or behaviors of your parents, or even an older sibling do you copy or mimic? From which parent: Dad or Mom or both?
Hear:
Read the Bible Passages. (Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used.
Wonder:
Describe the characteristics of Jesus.
What characteristics of His are easy for you to imitate?
What characteristics are more difficult for you?
Bless:
Affirm what was discussed about the story.
Think back over your week. Can you remember a few things that you said or did today that you might do differently if you were being mindful of imitating Jesus?
What are some things in your life that might be distracting you from being mindful of your thoughts and behavior. (digital device? cellphone? video games?) Think of ways you might change those things.
Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!
Example:
Father God, forgive us for being poor imitators of you to our family and others around us. May your Holy Spirit fall fresh on us today and help us to be mindful to reflect you in every thought, word and action. Help us to recognize each day the opportunities before us, big or small, to be the face of Jesus to the world. And help us to selflessly love others as you have loved us. We pray all this in the mighty name of our savior - Jesus! – Amen!