Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as His beloved sons and daughters. And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for He surrendered His life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration – a sweet healing fragrance.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 Passion Bible

I’m sure many of you have been in situations or conversations where you were made very uncomfortable, possibly wishing you could run and escape the interaction taking place. However you knew that wouldn’t be the best plan. You were upset being there – you knew you had to stay... My Question to you is: how did you handle it? Did you show overflowing emotion, maybe inwardly speaking to yourself helped you to force a smile, you told your emotions to get a grip. By now you are gritting your teeth, acting like you are happy. However, deep down inside, you didn’t want to be there, so you acted like you were happy even though in your innermost being it wasn’t what you felt at all. Does this sound somewhat familiar?

There are many scenarios to refer to: like feeling depressed but because you are with other people, you had to smile, act like all is well. Or try this on for size: you are having an emotional discussion with a family member, things are not well – suddenly the phone rings, its your needed interruption so you run to answer! Take note here: your voice changes from gloomy and agitated to one of cheerfully welcoming this call, maybe saying something like: “hello! So glad to hear from you, How are you?” My Point: you were required to act – to disguise (conceal) what you were really feeling. Acting is something every human being possesses. Whether it be children, couples or employees – all of us know how to act.

Paul in this passage calls us to be imitators, or followers of God. The Greek word for follower means we are to mimic what you see someone doing. It not only refers to the professional performing arts, but also the modelling of a parent, teacher, champion or hero. A person with a high moral character is an encouragement to others, - therefore our desire ought to be to emulate or copy them. Paul in 1st Cor. 4:16 was urging others to act like him, “watch what I do and then duplicate in your own life what you see in me”. Again, in 2 Thessalonians 3:7 Paul is saying that as a follower you know how you ought to follow us... paraphrased Paul says “it would behoove you to follow our example....imitate or mimic with the goal of doing, as you observe we are doing”. To put it simply, you need to carefully model your faith after us, doing – saying - acting as you consider their level of maturity and fruit produced by their lives. In Eph 5:1 Paul is telling us as believers, to model our lives after God. An actor captures the emotions, voice, looks and even the appearance of the subject he portrays. You and I as believers in Christ must put our heart and soul into imitating the Lord in every facet of our lives. So lets make a decision to ACT like God, you will display the extravagant love of Christ! The result is that your life will have a confident aroma – a sweet healing fragrance that will influence lives to bring them closer to the reality and understanding of God’s love for them.

My Point is that we must always be in the process of becoming...God has started an action in you – remember that verse that says (we all know it) “He who began a good work in you”.....the Lord started the work but you and I with the Lord’s help, are to embrace the continuing work. You and I haven’t arrived at the goal yet but if you are committed – keep working on it, stay in the process – You are not alone, the Lord began and will complete the work in you that is desired for Kingdom expansion. You are closer than you think! Be encouraged today! Acting like God takes time. If I want to replicate the Lord in my life, it will take my commitment and time! We need to start where we are today, looking forward to tomorrow and doing a little more. Remember He is an ever present help in time of need. If you are faithful, you will begin to think like God, talk like God and sound like God while carrying yourself in the confidence of God.

In closing, think upon this insight – What would happen if we began approaching problems acting as God does when He approaches problems?? Do you think it would make a difference if we acted like God when we have to deal with an “unforgivable person”, or a “difficult to love “person? Remember, Jesus is our model and when I face a challenge, I won’t need to sit wondering what God would say or do. I have His Script before me, His Word is powerful, it is anointed and always available - it will help me to act like Him with the quickening presence of Holy Spirit. Lord help us to see everything from the viewpoint of power and victory as we see as You see, think like You think and ACT like you . May my response be as You would respond in all of life’s challenges.