Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Ephesians 5:1 KJV
Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, and so many topics are covered in that letter. This letter is like a manual for life, as it speaks to areas such as holiness, speaking the truth, anger, stealing, the power of association, giving, helping, character development, kindness and forgiveness. All of these are covered just in the chapter before today's extract. What this letter proves is that I can't claim to be a child of God and proof of my birth will not be evident in my life. Even in the natural realm, we know the parents of a child by physical resemblance, evidence of birth certificate or documented family history. What proof exists that I am a child of God? Can men see any sign in my life that I know God? Better still, does God know me as his own, and is he quick to show off his imprint on my life to the world around me?
It goes beyond what I say or do, but to the evidence of the divine upon my life. There are examples to follow and emulate. God has not left me without instruction or precept; his life and love are examples that have been laid down as standards for all who claim connection to him by spiritual birth. I cannot be a child of God and the nature of God - his life and love - will not shine out of me. It is a nature that cannot be hid or faked; I either have it or I don't.
Being a follower means that the one who leads is in front, showing the way and I as the follower am content to follow. I can't claim leadership and still be called a follower. I can't claim authority over my own life and still be called a follower. Being a follower has nothing to do with the name, but with the attitude of total submission to a higher authority and wisdom, resting in that authority and simply content to follow wherever he may lead. If I cannot totally rest on that authority, maybe I am yet to fully submit. If I still have an alternative to God, then maybe I am not a follower.
The reason why following God should be easy is because I am his child. A child never loses the daily dependence on parents. As long as s/he is a child, there will be the need for the parents to protect, guide, support and help the child until s/he can be independent. That is the standard for earthly parents. It is very different for our heavenly Father: he does not take a break from fatherhood. Our earthly fathers are limited by age, time, resources and circumstances. God is not limited by such things. Our earthly fathers could only support us to a point and then leave us to figure out the rest by ourselves, but God never leaves us alone to our devises. He is called the ever - present help, because he is always there for us his children.
I note here that children is used. God is God over all he has created, but there is a special place in his heart for those who have submitted their lives to him and allow Him to guide them. He does not force himself on anyone, but he will definitely defend anyone who comes to him. God as father is a privilege not to be taken for granted. He calls, but he also warns. His arms are wide open, but he also disciplines and disciples, so that I can come out as the refined article. It is a charge to all who desire to come: learn what it takes to follow, and be ready to do it. The blessings are both earthly and eternal. His time of favour is here.
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