Ephesians 5:1 AMPC
[1] THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].
One definition of 'imitate' is to 'take or follow as a model'. There has to be a template or an example that becomes the model or the test case, which all others must follow exactly after, for them to align with the model. You cannot do something a little similar to the model, or something a bit like what you are trying to copy. The perfect God calls us to a life of perfection, and as we have established over a long period, God does not demand from us that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He commands it, there will be no excuse accepted for not living up to His standards. Something else that becomes important is to know that He does not call us to live by our own power or strength, or seek to please Him by physical labour and striving alone; He does not leave us to our devices or just allow us make mistakes.
He is there for us every step of the way and for all the demands that may become due. What is the right model? The only way to know the right model is to seek the right knowledge. The only place that you can go for the right information is to read the word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit who inspired its contents. You cannot know God without seeking His help or relying on His provision. In order to copy someone the right way, there has to be access to the private life of that person. There are things that are for public consumption and processing, but there are things that only a personal and private walk with the person will become clear to you. You do recall the several parables that Jesus gave; there was a public delivery to the crowd but a personal encounter with His disciples. That is the demand on those who would seek to initiate the right way; you just cannot do it the right way from afar. You have to walk closely with the person. Is this a price I can pay?
Am I willing and ready to forsake all distractions and focus on that which will help me know this God? It is also important to note that access will determine availability of resources. You cannot truly serve someone you do not know, or have truly submitted to. You will not truly submit to God unless you have come to an understanding of who He is, what He wants and what lies at the end of your walk with Him. Why a model is critical here is because when there is a problem, you have something to go back to. If there is no right model, there is confusion. Do not focus solely on what you can get from Him; focus on knowing Him. Who He is defines what you get. Earthly fathers love their children, and would do anything legal to give them the right start in life. In the same way, we have our heavenly Father who loves and wants the best for us. He has shown us what is possible and available. How would you respond? God's time of favour is here.
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