A Living Copy!

When copies of something are being made the quality of the copy depends on the condition of what is being copied. Though technology continues to improve, copies made from copies are not always as crisp and clear as copies made from THE ORIGINAL. This is true with photocopies as well as audio reproductions. The further down the line one goes in making the copies (i.e. a copy from the copy of a copy of a copy) the digression there generally will be in the clarity or preciseness.

As we live mindful of the kind of example our life ought to present to this world, we must do so remembering THE ORIGINAL that is to be copied. If we merely model our lives after the goodness of the world there may be some positive influences on others, but the quality will not be as good as when the actions of our life are based on the ORIGINAL MASTER to be copied.

When Paul considered the example of his own life, he didn’t say to imitate him as he imitated Apollos or Peter or John. Rather Paul urged others, “Be imitators of me, as I am OF CHRIST.” ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV) It was only through keeping his focus on Christ that Paul could be a proper example for others. Mindful of the importance of being a good example, he still ultimately directed the focus of others to the example of Christ.

As Paul exhorted the church at Ephesus with regard to what their life was to be lived in imitation of, we read…

“(4:32) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, FORGIVING one another, AS GOD IN CHRIST FORGAVE you. (5:1) 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.” ( Ephesians 4:32- 5:2 ESV)

God is the greatest example for modeling how we ought to be willing to forgive others. Have we not come to know that blessing? There is also no higher example of love that that demonstrated by God, especially through the Son. As we look at the manner in which Christ walked on this earth we are provided with the greatest example of a selfless, giving, and sacrificial love. Since our own willingness to forgive and the manner in which we love sometimes falls short of the Divine example, we need to keep our focus on the ORIGINAL MASTER of such character in order to become a proper example for others.

When it comes to copying the essence of a lifestyle to be lived, may it be seen as a reproduction of the ORIGINATOR and Sustainer of life. This is the essence we were created to possess and that in Christ is being renewed. May that clarity and preciseness become more and more evident.

Have a great day FOCUSED ON BEING A REPRODUCTION OF THE ESSENCE OF GOD!
Carl

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