“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” In a Roman prison, the apostle Paul wrote these words. (Ephesians 5:1 NLT) Today, as a parent, I am mindful of who I am imitating. Who I am following. Whos words and actions do I imitate on a daily basis – do you Imitate God? Because children will always do what you do, act and say things you say. They learn how to respond to people socially by watching you – so, who are you imitating?
The Apostle Paul knew that loving and reflecting God in his life was foundational for those around him. What we observe and how we act will get repeated, and passed along. All of us learn from those we trust and spend time listening to – so who are you listening to? Because we will naturally teach others what we’ve learned.
Who Are You a Disciple Of?
Being a Disciple is just a fancy way of saying that we learn from those we trust and teach others what we have learned. Society is bombarding us constantly with what they want you and I to think, say and do. Rarely is that what God wants us to think, say and do. But then again, God is asking you and I to not be of this world but focused on His Kingdom. Jesus even told us to “seek the Kingdom of God first, then all things will be given to you.” Now, that doesn’t mean that if you think about Heaven you will get everything you want in this world. Sorry, that’s not how it works. Seeking the Kingdom of God first means knowing and having a relationship with God. Reading God’s Word, Listening to God’s teachers & preachers, and following God’s direction for your life. I find doing that and allowing God to lead, then He is more than happy giving me all I ask for.
Are You Imitating God or Someone Else
Regardless of where you are in life – we’re all being discipled by something or someone. It is way too easy to get sucked into Tik Tok or YouTube and Instagram Shorts. They are trying to grab your attention and lead you where they want you to go. That is why all of us need to carefully consider who we are listening to and following. Remember the line, “Garbage in garbage out”, that is soo true! Try reading a devotional or the Bible for 15 minutes every morning and right before bed for 2 weeks, then you will notice God working within you.