Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. – Ephesians 5:1

In Ephesians Apostle Paul charges the church to be imitators of God, as seen in our scripture for today. To be an imitator means to copy or mimic another person’s actions and mannerism, good or bad. In this regard, Paul was highlighting the need for the church to look up to God alone for guidance and direction.

Jesus shared the same sentiment when preaching to the multitude and his disciples in Matthew 23:1-3, “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” Here, He underlines the fact that oftentimes the very people heralding the gospel of God have a hard time obeying It.

There are many people in the church who unknowingly give more reverence to men of God than the word of God. It is for this reason that Jesus said “there is only one father, who is God,” and “there is only one teacher, who is God.” He goes on to teach the people in Matthew, that the teachers of the law and Pharisees often serve God for show and anyone who follows them risk being misled. When they fast, they make it obvious for everyone to see. When they give, they make it public so everyone would see. When they pray, they scream so loud everyone hears them. (Matthew 6)

These are traits not worth emulating. In fact, we risk not being in the right standing with God if we do not look up to Him alone. God is Love, God is Holy, God is Merciful and Just. The foundations of His kingdom are built on these principles, if any behavior or actions are worth emulating, It should be inspired by the above. I pray the Lord will open the heart of our understanding to fully grasp this truth and walk in the light thereof. In Jesus name. Amen.