Imitating God.

1 Peter 1:13-16
13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Every single person that God created is unique in their own way. Have you ever tried to be somebody other than yourself? It doesn't go smoothly does it? The truth of the matter is: you really shouldn't try to be like someone else. God has made you the way you are for a reason. The only being you should try to imitate, is God. He is a perfect spiritual model of who we should be.

God's son, Jesus, obeyed God and was holy. He sacrificed his life and died on the cross. Although you're not expected to do that, you still should walk with a mirror that reflects the image of God.

Here's a brief list on some of the holy things Jesus did...
*taught (the gospel - salvation!)
*trained disciples
*healed the sick
*fed the hungry
*prayed

I want you to think of some holy items you can put on your "to-do" list using the five ideas above.

If we are to be imitators of God, as beloved children, we imitate him by going about doing good. ~Reverend Canon Rosalind Brown

Expect to read about spiritual gifts tomorrow.