Archive for March 4th, 2009

In today’s society there is imitation everything, for example a quick search on google for artificial(imitation) sweeteners produces over 412,000 results with the majority of them being for this product or that product.  We have juice in our grocery stores that is 100% artificial flavoring and no actual juice.  We also have individuals who try to imitate their favorite celebrity even to the extent of going through plastic surgery to have this or that enlarged or shrunk.  And although I really don’t care about the imitation sugars and so forth (even though they aren’t really good for you) I do care about those who imitate anything of this world.  And yes this even means those who are trying to keep up with the Smith’s down the street.  Scripture tells us that we are not to be of this world but of God.

Romans 12:2
² Do not be conformed  to this age,  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will  of God.

 
And as Christians we are to evaluate our heart and our actions through the eyes of Jesus not eyes of this world or anyone else.  And we are told to be imitators of God.  So to do this were are to get rid of all the trash that is in our lives.  And as scripture tells us (since the next verse has a therefore we need to know why) since we know the Messiah we should put away the sin and:

Ephesians 5
 ¹ Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. ² And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us,  a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

It is vital that we take the time to properly evaluate our hearts and learn whether we are able to be the imitators of God that we should be.   Now the next obvious question is what does that mean to be an imitator of God?  Well one area is specifically mentioned in that verse.  We are to walk in love.  What does that mean???  Every action and every interaction should be done with the love of Christ in our heart and soul.  So how do we know how to do that?  Well that is what the Bible is for…it is the window into God’s character and therefore into what our character should be.  So that means that we should start out our day in front of the mirror of the heart: The Word!  If you were forced to get dressed in the dark would you not want to look in the mirror prior to leaving the house?  Well guess what:  you live in a dark world and to know whether or not you are an imitator of Christ you need to look in the Word to make sure that you are looking at His character and not yours!!

God Bless ~ Tyler