March 10, 2023: Therefore Be Imitators

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1, ESV)

These words are thrust between our last two devotions: "Therefore be imitators of God." 'Therefore' means that we must look back at what has been said because what has been said is why we must be imitators. The thought prompting Paul's 'therefore' is: to put off the old self and "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph 4:24 Paul's goal is to raise up Christians that look and sound like Jesus. This is why he brought to light those things of the old nature which died with Christ. We are to put them off while putting on Christ.

What does it mean to be an imitator of God? The word imitate means to mimic, but it is much more. It strongly implies being a disciple of Paul and a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone can mimic another's behavior. But only a disciple can do it from the heart, not the head. Being a disciple who desires to be like his Master implies relationship. And nothing speaks more highly of that than Paul's last words in Eph 5:1 "as beloved children." As children of God and loved by God, we look like our Father in character and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us.

Being an imitator of Christ is a worthy goal! It just means putting off what looks like your old self and putting on what looks like Jesus.