Imitation Matters

One of the sweetest things in life is to watch a small child imitate what they see their parents do. I remember my heart being so filled with love and joy watching my little ones copy us as we clapped or laughed. We would do it over and over again just to see those little smiles. Fundamentally it is how they learn but these are such special moments.

Just as children imitate their parents, we should follow God’s example. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” I love this image. It reminds me of those moments watching my own children grow and learn. Each of us are called to be God’s children. How pleasing it must be for Him to watch his sons and daughters follow these words of instruction that He gave to us.

Stop and think about what “imitating God” and “following the example of Christ” truly means? As you read the gospels what are the characteristics Jesus held? What exactly should I be imitating?

Humility

Servant’s Heart

Love

Affection

Obedient

Selflessness

Patience

Compassion

Paul goes on to write in Philippians 2:3-5, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. YOU MUST HAVE THE SAME ATTITUDE THAT CHRIST JESUS HAD.” (Whew…’.must’ is a bold word!)

What if today was our last day on this earth? What if today was the last day you had to interact with your family, friends, and coworkers? Even strangers? What would happen if we put down our politics, our fear, our drive for personal gain, our stress, and our busyness for just one day and truly imitated God and lived like Jesus Christ? Make today the best it can be and have the same attitude as Jesus.

#bebold #bethelighttheworldneeds

Love from Rooted,

Heather