Uncommonनमूना

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Paul says to be imitators of God by taking on the status quo of God. However, notice the rest of the statement, “as beloved children.” Paul did not say to imitate God “as a moralist,” “because you’re scared to death,” or “because you’re religious.” He tells us we should be motivated by God’s love for us, not out of fear or intimidation. There is a big difference between following after God out of being beloved and being chased by a vengeful, angry caricature of God.

Rarely have I seen a child not want to be like their dad when they are beloved. When a child knows their dad loves them, they want to sit like him, talk like him, and wear his clothes. As the child grows, they hope to be like their father.

On the other hand, I have commonly seen kids chased and threatened by a father. I know I was in my younger years. What do fearful children say about their fathers as they grow older? The same thing I said, “I’ll never be like my father.” Sure, my father may have demanded my obedience, but he never deserved my imitation (not until my adulthood).

The human heart responds better to love than to threat. It is out of this intimacy and safety that we follow after God. God’s beloved nature towards us is like an iceberg. The buoyancy of the mass underneath the waterline pushes the iceberg above the water line. Because of the buoyancy of God’s grace in our lives, we can lift above the waterline and live as imitators of God. We do not serve God so we can float. We honor God because we float. I want to imitate him in a way that honors Him and is true to His nature.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Are you floating in the grace and love of your heavenly Father?
2. Do you see God as a loving dad or a threatening one?
3. How can we view the fatherhood of God rightly? Give examples from the scriptures.