The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:24, that we are created anew to be like God in true righteousness and holiness which is why Paul goes on to say in chapter 5, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (5:1) I think everyone can relate to mimicking our parents, for like it or not, I believe all of us have caught ourselves saying something that sounds exactly like our parents sometime in our adult life! OR as parents, we’ve caught our children mimicking us while playing and wondered, “Do I really sound like that?” But what exactly does it mean to be like God? And imitate Him?
Did you ever hold an infant in your arms and watch how they study your features? All their senses are in tune to you! I remember as a brand new mom in the hospital being encouraged not to wear any perfume or fragrance, for my child would be seeking to become familiar with my scent! It’s the same with us as God’s children; we need to consume ourselves with God. We must somehow find the times to shut out the world throughout our day and focus on our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to list a few ways we should be like Him.
Imitate His love towards others:
In verse 2 Paul writes, “Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.”
If we want to know what God is like, we have to study Jesus, for Scripture says He, “...is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance...” (Hebrews 1:3) So, if we are going to be like God and imitate His love, we will act as Jesus did. Paul also tells us that the “sweet-smelling fragrance” of love will be evident in giving of ourselves. (I like that.)
Imitate God by allowing His light to shine through you:
Beginning in verse 8 Paul writes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Do you remember studying your parents so well that you knew what would please them and what would cause their err? Can you remember just the tone of their voice would instantly cause you to wondered, “O no! What did I do!?”
Scripture tells us that, “...God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) It follows, then, that if we are to be like God, His light will shine through us. Jesus also told His disciples, “You are the light of the world... Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Paul also reminds us that the fruit of God’s light is goodness, righteousness and truth. All three of these virtues flow from the attributes of God, for God is good (Psalm 25:8, Nahum 1:7), He is righteous (Romans 3:26) and He is true (Numbers 23:19, Psalm 31:5, Hebrews 6:18). It’s this light which makes things visible, and expose the deeds of darkness around us.
Imitate God’s Love, Reflect God’s Light and Walk in His Wisdom:
Beginning in verse 15 and following Paul tell us that we need to, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (5:15-18). I believe Paul gives us the secret here in verse 18 on how all this can be possible for all of us! He tells us to “be filled with the Spirit”. Allowing Him to come take control.
I remember going for a walk with my dad as a young girl and trying to keep up with his long, quick strides. I was forced to take two to three steps for his one, and he seemed to be walking so briskly! I even tried to stretch my legs to equal his strides, but I couldn’t keep that up for very long either. Until finally, I think my father caught onto what I was trying to do, and he reached down and took my hand and slowed his pace just a bit, which made it so much easier for me to keep up and the rest of our walk became so much easier and enjoyable! I believe our heavenly Father does the same for us! He knows left on our own, it will be challenging to keep up, so He reaches down and gives us His Spirit to help us keep up with Him. Take hold and let Him take charge and I can pretty much guarantee that the rest of your journey will be better than before!