Devotion 3: Likeness of the Father
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Some time ago, I was attending a building dedication ceremony for a newly completed substance abuse treatment and worship center. As a part of the ceremony, I was invited to share a special musical selection. After the dedication had ended, I was approached by a gentleman whom I did not know. The man introduced himself and then proceeded to ask me a question, “You are Dave’s kid, aren’t you?” (David was my father’s first name as well.) I nodded yes, and he proceeded to explain to me just how quickly and easily, from my mannerisms, speech, and demonstrated passion for the Lord, he could tell that I was my father’s son. At that moment, I did not think much of his words. Instead, I offered a polite “thank you” for having introduced himself, and then I soon parted ways with him.
Regretfully, now many years later, I understand just how wonderful a compliment the man had granted me. The true nature of his observances on that day really meant that there were many things, in his view, about me that mimicked my father. That is to say, I resembled my dad’s likeness not only physically but also in word and character; outwardly, I mirrored the image of my “creator,” if you will.
In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he exhorts his audience to live in such a way as to be imitators of the Creator, God Himself. More specifically, he calls us to follow after Jesus’ commitment to love sacrificially. In the sections before and after these two verses, Paul describes plainly what aroma should be produced from the life of one living for Jesus. Anyone who is committed to living in the newness of God should abstain from certain immoral behaviors and instead practice the holiness to which God has called us and equipped us to live in Christ.
As transformed children of God, our attitudes and actions should paint a portrait that resembles the holy, set-apart character and nature of God Himself. As such, we are to sacrifice our personal convictions and moral determinations to be burned upon the altar of God so that the purity and righteousness of God may take a supreme position in their place.
In other words, the believer is to live in such a way as to perhaps cause another to pause and ask, “You are God’s kid, aren’t you?”