Imitators!

It is interesting to watch children at play. Sometimes their play reveals what they have witnessed in life. As a parent it can be surprising when a child's behavior and use of words are recognized as reflecting their own life. Sometimes the expressions are used, "You are definitely your father's son." or "You are certainly your mother's daughter." That which children imitate is a reminder of where they are focused and therefore the need to be modeling the right behavior.

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus he exhorted them to. . .
"Therefore BE IMITATORS OF GOD, AS BELOVED CHILDREN." ( Ephesians 5:1 ESV)

As children imitate their parents, we are to focus on IMITATING GOD! Elsewhere we are exhorted toward being perfect as our HEAVENLY FATHER is perfect ( Matthew 5:48), being merciful as He is merciful ( Luke 6:36), and just prior to Paul's statement here he had exhorted toward forgiving "AS GOD in Christ forgave you." ( Ephesians 4:32 ESV) The HEAVENLY FATHER and the Son are perfect examples after which to model our lives. We cannot go wrong in imitating their Divine characteristics. And just as an earthly parent is filled with pride when they see their noble qualities being made evident in the lives of their children, our HEAVENLY FATHER will be well pleased to call us His "beloved children" as He referred to Jesus as His "beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." ( Matthew 3:17 ESV)

Let us keep our focus on the image of our HEAVENLY FATHER so that His Divine nature ( 2 Peter 1:4) will become more and more evident in our own actions and speech. May His goodness, love, mercifulness, and willingness to forgive become the true essence of our being.

Have a great day DEFINITELY BEING OUR HEAVENLY FATHER'S BELOVED CHILD!
Carl

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