It Starts Small

5 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, ² and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Be imitators of God

A lot of people have idols, heroes they fiercely admire and aspire to emulate. They yearn to speak like them, to adopt their styles, to mirror their personalities. But therein lies the troubling truth: many of these idols are spiritually tainted. This isn’t an attempt to vilify them; rather, it serves as a sobering reminder that we are all flawed. If we scrutinized our own lives under a microscope, our shortcomings would undoubtedly be laid bare. The real issue isn’t the specific individual worshipped, but the very act of idolization itself!

People either possess shockingly low standards or choose to overlook moral character, fixating instead on superficial appearances and hollow achievements. As believers, we are called to be fervent imitators of God, our ultimate role model! Why? Because He is the epitome of perfection! He exemplifies the highest standard of holiness, love, kindness, righteousness, mercy, and justice. We must not allow ourselves to be influenced by the morally bankrupt idols of our time. If we do, we risk following the same dark path they tread.

We must passionately model our lives after Christ, who is the epitome of perfection in this world. He valiantly demonstrated how to confront every challenge and temptation we face. Our heroes should undoubtedly be those Christian champions who reflect Christ in their daily actions. Let us honor them for their remarkable character, not for superficial appearances or fleeting success. Paul fervently encouraged us to follow his example as he followed the Lord. We should not place individuals on lofty pedestals. Instead, we should draw inspiration from them. This empowers us to imitate the Lord more fervently in every aspect of our lives.

Walk in love

We strive to embody many of God’s divine attributes. However, love stands at the very heart of our faith as believers. It resonates throughout scripture time and again, underscoring its profound significance. Our journey is defined by a daily commitment to this love, a vibrant lifestyle that permeates every moment. Love is meant to be expressed in both monumental sacrifices and the tender, everyday actions we take. We reveal the depth of our devotion in countless small gestures. These simple acts prove that they can carry the weight of immense love.

Love is a relentless force that demands our unwavering commitment; it is never something we can pause or complete. We must radiate love in every moment, regardless of whether we are fatigued, overwhelmed, unwell, under pressure, on holiday, at work, at home, traveling, toiling, or enjoying leisure. To embody this love, we must remain vigilant and invest our utmost energy, round the clock. Love manifests in the simplest actions. These include scrubbing the toilet, taking out the trash, sweeping the floor, and washing dishes. It also covers tackling that tedious report no one else wants to handle, running errands, and making the bed. Offering an attentive ear, sharing kind words, and comforting the weary are other examples. Love is reaching out to our parents and inquiring about others’ lives. Visiting orphans and supporting the sick in hospitals are acts of love as well. Lastly, cherishing precious moments with our family signifies love.

Our standard is Christ, who gave everything—His very life—as the ultimate sacrifice. There are no limits to how deeply we are called to love others. Love isn’t bound by time. It extends beyond our friends and family. It reaches into the hearts of strangers, enemies, bosses, and employees. It matters not if they seem deserving. We were unworthy of Christ’s monumental sacrifice on the cross. Those around us may not seem deserving of our love either. Yet Christ broke through those barriers. We are summoned to do the same. Let us love others wholeheartedly, completely, and without reservation, every single moment.

Jesus’ sacrifice was an exquisite offering to God, a fragrant aroma that ascended as a powerful testament to divine love. It brought immense joy to God because it embodied His flawless plan, radiating perfect love and unwavering justice. This act didn’t just draw sinners to Himself; it showcased Christ’s glorious obedience and profound submission. In overcoming Satan, Christ triumphed like no other. His boundless love and devotion to God inspire us to love others selflessly. When we choose to sacrifice for one another, as described in verse 10, we bring joy to God, too!

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Cross References

• Matthew 5:48
• 1 Peter 1:15-16
• 1 John 4:11
• Colossians 3:12-14
• 1 Peter 4:8
• Matthew 25:35-36

Reflective Questions

• How can we imitate God?
• What aspects of God should we imitate?
• Why?
• How can we walk in love?
• What standard should we try to reach?
• Why is Jesus love the ultimate example?
• Why is Jesus’ sacrifice called a fragrant aroma?
• Who was it fragrant to?
• Why?

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