Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

 

As a child in elementary school, one of my favorite TV shows was Star Trek. Each show had drama and excitement that sparked my interest in space. The crew of the Starship Enterprise were my heroes and I wanted to imitate them. I recall acting out parts of the show with my friends on the playground at school. To this day a small part of me still loves the excitement of space travel and keeps me looking at the stars.

 

Today’s scripture encourages us to imitate God. Not imitate His power, but the character traits He displayed through His Son, Jesus Christ. The only real way you will transform your mind to be an imitator of Jesus is to read the bible and understand His character. Not too far into your study, you will realize His entire nature is seasoned with love. God sent His Son to earth for that very reason, out of love for mankind (John 3:16).

 

Why imitate Jesus Christ? Because the world needs to see the love of Christ in hopes of brining more people into the family of God. Your witness is like a bright light shining into the darkness (Matthew 5:16). People tend to focus on light, not the expanse of darkness. So, by imitating Christ, by how you live, you are displaying the light and love of Christ for people to look to and find their way to salvation.  

 

You might be thinking to yourself that you haven’t lived a life worthy of following due to many failures and spiritual disasters. That’s ok, Jesus Christ came to redeem the lost, and your transformation into a child of God is a living testament of what His unconditional love can do for even the most vile sinner.

 

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15