Just Like You

Ephesians 5:1-14

Verses 1-2  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

    We have been talking about doing the necessary things to grow spiritually.  One of the things we must remember is that a most important step to living a life of worship is surrendering to God.

    We all surrender to something whether we realize it or not.  It is important to remember that we have the choice of what we surrender to, it just takes focus and intentionality.  Have we ever taken some time to think about who or what we are surrendered to?  Do we know how to figure out who or what we are surrendered to?  One way is to realize what we would drop anything to do or for who we would go to all lengths to help or be with.  The person or thing we would sacrifice everything for.  The person we would give up ourselves for, whose desires mean more to us than our own.

    For the Christian it is obvious that God is the one we should be surrendered to, but sadly that is not the case of the majority of those who claim to be His followers.  Why is that?  More often than not it is because we are surrendered to our own desires.  So what are God’s desires?  This passage lists quite a few things that He requires us to be rid of that are very popular in the world.  In fact there may be things on the list that we don’t want to admit are on the list, let alone give up.  We have learned to justify them in our lives.  For instance, what about obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking?  Sure you may not use them personally but do you allow it in the TV shows or movies you watch?  How about in the music you listen to?  See how easy it is for these things that the world desires to sneak into our lives?  If we are surrendering to them do we honestly think we can be surrendering to God too?

    Did you notice verse 6, “Don’t be fooled by those that make excuses for these sins.”  That is what we were just talking about doing regarding obscenity, foolish talk and coarse joking, isn’t it?  See how easy it is to start surrendering to the wrong things?  But how can we break this pattern?  Look back to verse 1, “Imitate God.”  There it is in pure and simple form.  The purest form of praise is imitation.

Making It Personal

    Who are you imitating – God or the world?  Are there shows or songs you need to stop enjoying?  What is a way you need to start imitating God?

Making It Personal Kids

    Have you ever copied someone or something?  Maybe it was copying the actions of a monkey at the zoo or a sibling or maybe mom or dad.  How would you imitate God?  Would God be happy with how you imitate Him?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for loving us so much that You want us imitating You.  Thank You also for giving us a list to show things that are against You and would show our love for the world.  Please give us the wisdom and courage to imitate You in all things.  In Jesus’ name, amen.