Mimic the Father

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. (Ephesians 5:1, AMP)

Sunday I heard an incredible story in my Sunday School class and I want to share it with you.  It’s the perfect picture of what discipleship is!  One of the men in our class shared how he was listening to worship music with his children while driving to his parents house.  He looked in the back seat and saw his little girl praising the Lord.  She was singing the song with Daddy and worshiping the King.  As Brad shared this, tears readily flowed from his eyes.  It was such a beautiful moment to be apart of.

It got me to thinking that we should all be experiencing moments like that.  If we are truly following Christ and His example…  then we should be able to look behind us and see someone mimicking us and the life we are leading in the Lord.  Does your life mimic the Father?  Does your heart reflect the love of God?  Does your walk show an appreciation for the sacrifice done for you on Calvary’s hill?  If we truly live our lives mimicking the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, God Almighty Himself… then we should be able to look behind us and see someone mimicking us.  Not us necessarily, but the work of God in us.  Paul says it perfectly in 1 Corinthians 11:1,

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

I want to follow the example of Christ, so that I can say these words!  I want to mirror the image of my Creator.  I want to bring God glory.  And from what I see that entails a few things…

1.  Humility

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

2.  A Life of Love

“A new command I give you:  Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

3.  Obedience

“And this is love:  that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” (2 John 6)

4.  Self-Control

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13)

5.  A Teachable Spirit

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)

Of course, I could list many more.  But let’s just start with these five.  How are you doing with these?  I look at each one of these characteristics and see an opportunity for  improvement.  The more I improve in these areas the better my walk in Christ will be.  I want to mimic the Father with my actions, my words, my thoughts, and each step I take.  Do you?

Dear Father God, Please give me a spirit of humility.  Help me to put You first in everything.  May I live a life of love.  A life that truly exemplifies 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  May I follow You completely.  I pray that I will be more obedient to You every day that I live.  And Lord, please help me to be self controlled.  May my unrighteousness come under your control.  May I submit myself to You and Your work daily. Last but not least, I pray for a teachable spirit.  May I never think that I have it all together.  May I never turn away sound advice.  Help me to be humble and graciously respond to anyone who attempts to help me walk more uprightly before You!

Desiring to Mimic My Father,