Living like God

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1‭-‬2 NLT

We all have mentors of some sorts, or people whose lives are examples that we pattern our lives after. We all have had people whose personal victories had become inspirations for us, challenging us to also aspire to be better individuals. I am also sure that we all have had people whose lives were worthy examples and then suddenly, as a result of personal struggles, these persons compromised in one way or the other, and we felt disappointed and cheated. In that moment, we had forgotten that man will always be a man- helpless and hopeless without God's help. 

Paul's message here is a message for this generation. We have built monuments to men and made them gods in our lives. We have lived for just one picture with a man of God or just a word of favour from him. We have struggled to win man's approval, probably thinking it will bring in quicker returns than waiting on God. As influential as Paul was in his days, he never once directed people's focus on himself; he was always quick to turn men to God. What do we have today- men of God who God does not know or approve of, Christians who are so in name, denomination and church basis only, but without a living, breathing relationship with the true God. Men live for a word from man, forgetting that man is at best, dust, and only the breath of God in him makes him alive and relevant. 

Paul turns our attention to God alone. He says that in everything we do, we must imitate God. Who gives me inspiration for all my pursuits? Does God have a say in my life or do I first seek out man's opinionand approval before setting out. It is not just enough to pursue God in some areas of your life and take charge of other areas; you must seek God in ALL areas. The example of Christ here is just perfect: at a time when we were unlovable and undeserving, he gave his all. He gave his life so we could have life, and he laid down this example as a lesson for us to imitate. That love is the best lesson for us and a guide to our relationship with others. When there is something to gain, can I place other people's interests over and above mine? Can I dare to love and give all like Christ did for me? Easy to say, until the decision to place others ahead of us stares us in the face. 

Love has been shown, life has been given hope has been established, all because of God's grace expressed in Christ. May my life be a worthy reflection of that love and may my life point others in God's direction. His time of favour is here.