"Be still, and know that I am God"... (Psalm 46:10) [NIV]
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Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I hoped our dinner guest wouldn’t notice that I was staring at him. I knew it was impolite, but I was trying to decide if he looked like Elvis Presley. Let me explain. My husband had invited a friend over to eat with us who was an “Elvis tribute artist.” He told us stories of swaggering to the stage with his guitar at backyard birthday parties, weddings, and even in college dorms.
Imitating “The King of rock and roll” was just a hobby for our friend, but as Christians we’re called to “imitate God . . . in everything [we] do” (Ephesians 5:1). Fortunately, Paul left us with some specifics on how to live just like “The King of heaven.” We’re supposed to be God-followers who:
Walk in love—because “God is love” (1 John 4:8). We need to love our fellow Christians and put their needs above our own, just as Jesus did for us (Ephesians 5:2).
Walk in light—because “God is light, and there is no darkness in Him” (1 John 1:5). This means not getting tangled in sinful patterns of living. Rather, our lives should be characterized by what is “good and right and true” (Ephesians 5:9).
Walk in wisdom—because “God is so wise” (Job 9:4). We’re supposed to be careful about the life choices we make and be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:15,18).
As Christians, we need to remember that other people are studying us, looking for any likeness to God that they can see. And God wants us to live so that our lives will encourage people to get to know Him. This is why He says: “Be holy because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:45).
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This was a sharing from Our Daily Journey, and i felt it very very apt to remind all of us of the urgency and importance to stay on the narrow path and to actively choose to follow Christ and to IMITATE Christ - otherwise we'll just drift along the wide river until the end of our lives - and regret..
this new year, let us - seriously - make the decision (and be constantly reminded of it) to FOLLOW and IMITATE Christ - with all our heart, with all our mind and with all our soul and with all our strength and with everything of us.. let us live this new year passionately - and without regrets..
