Imitating God ? Now that is a tall order !! (Is it ?)

(NIV) Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


In the business world, there is the constant competitive pressure to imitate successful efforts elsewhere. So much so, that there have even been cases of Corporate spying and stealing of plans in order to imitate a competitive product.


In the sports world, it is common to see kids pretending to be a famous figure making the last shot of a game, scoring the winning run or touchdown. For me growing up, it was always Jack Sikma's jump shot. I even had a coach who emphasized that I should shoot like him.

We all have generally had people we have known or known of that we strive to imitate in some manner. It is actually a God given trait to be steered correctly in the important manners of life so that we can enjoy a more abundant life experience by learning successful patterns.

I love the verse that says to be imitators of God. It gives me great hope to know that I have a pattern to follow that will (not maybe) lead to success. As I begin this journey I will begin to notice bad patterns that keep me from enjoying what God put before me. That is what the pattern book (the Bible) is for !!! Consider the following verse :

(NIV) Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. [2] Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

God gave us a blueprint to imitate true successful living. It's patterns are dynamically opposed to the world's blueprint. Greed, envy, lust, immorality (sin) has no part in this plan. We must put off the bad patterns and put on the winning pattern.

I was tremendously encouraged this past week in hearing of a good friend's efforts to get many people started on being disciples to follow Christ. He is exposing God's blueprint for others and living it as an example for others to see. Thanks Bob!!!

I hope this gives you both encouragement and a challenge to ask yourself how you are imitating God. Are your eyes fixed on Jesus ?
Are you seeking God's guidance to lay aside the bad pattern's. Be imitators of God ! Reach high !

God bless and pass this on.

His servant,


Jeff Dyk