Imitators

Ephesians 5:1-5

How do we really learn anything?  How do we learn how to do what we do?  We imitate those around us.  We may be able to learn through books, but then we are imitating the author.  How do we imitate God?  We must spend time with Him and read His word.  To imitate Him, we must learn what He is like and what He would do.  True imitation cannot really be done without spending a lot of time studying someone.  Can you be a true Elvis impersonator for example without watching Elvis films and video of him on talk shows?  Could you learn his  mannerisms from being told about them?  Not really.  You might be able to come close, but it wouldn't be as close an impression if you spent time observing him yourself.  You could even do a better impression if you had met and studied him in person.  It is the same with God.  We can learn somewhat from listening to others, but true imitation cannot happen until we study and spend time with the source Himself.  This passage gives several ideas on how we are to live,  Of course, there was one part that just stood out to me.  In verse 4, it is talking about our speech and the Message sums it up: "Thanksgiving is our dialect."  This is exactly what God has been teaching me this year and a lesson I have to continually work on learning every day.

What has God been teaching you this year?
How do we imitate God?

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Thanksgiving for today
561.  Bread Maker
562.  Encouragers
563.  The Bible mini-series and conversations it creates
564.  Good travel weather
565.  Naps
566.  Surprises in the mail
567.  BBQ smells from down the street
568.  Flowers