Have you ever started to talk, dress, or act like the people around you? When I got to college, I noticed girls wearing choker necklaces, bomber jackets, and ripped jeans. Of course, I started buying and wearing the same things. I’ll admit that I still love a good trend. It’s fun to research the latest fashion, find similar items, and creatively piece together an outfit. But aren’t we all just imitating each other?
I’m not saying following trends is wrong or sinful by any means. But I do think we become like those around us.
Think about it this way. Your family has words, phrases, or even accents that you’ve picked up throughout your life. Sure, maybe once you move away from home, you are less likely to act like your family. But for those first eighteen years of life, they pretty much teach you everything you know. Your parents teach you how to brush your teeth, tie your shoes, and interact with others. An important part of becoming an adult is watching what your parents do and modeling their behavior.
Our New Identity
When we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we are adopted into God’s family. The Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts, and we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our old ways of living pass away, and we start to live differently.
In Ephesians 5:1-2, Paul is urging believers to be imitators of God, which we do by walking in love. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). All believers are sanctified by the Spirit to look more like Jesus. God’s love for us becomes a model for how we should love others.
Our New Ability
Just as children grow up imitating their parents, we learn to imitate God as our Heavenly Father. Christ demonstrated His love by giving up His life for us. This kind of love is selfless and sacrificial. Loving others selflessly and sacrificially represents Christ to a lost world.
Luke 9:23 says, “Then he said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.’” Our goal in life is no longer to do whatever we want but rather to live solely for Jesus.
This calling on our lives is not easy. There will be times that it will feel more comfortable or easy to live like the rest of the world instead of for God. In Ephesians 5:1-21, Paul lists out several commands to live set apart from the world. God’s Word and God’s Spirit are the only things that will transform us from worldliness to holiness.
As we live fully surrendered to God, we will start to look more like Him. Not only will we look like Him, but we will also be able to test and approve what His will is (Romans 12:1-2). Eventually, walking in godliness will feel more natural than walking in our flesh.
Yes, we will always struggle with sin, but God is working in us to fully transform us into the reflection of His Son. And that is good news! If you are aware of sin in your life today, choose to confess to God and others and repent by turning and trusting in the Lord. Let us walk in a manner worthy of following as we imitate our Father.
