One of the verses I use during the school year is Ephesians 5:1 - "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children." This is, of course, Paul writing to the church in Ephesus; in the previous chapter, Paul had been commenting on the "Christian walk," how we are supposed to act as Christians. He follows this by a command, and a context for that command.
The command is simple - follow God's example, and do what He does. Of course, you have to use your common sense, as no one is expecting you to create a universe in the next six days. Rather, it means to exhibit the same attributes as God - honest, loving, kind: all the different things that it is good for us to be. God models those things, and we follow.
Next, Paul puts this in context - do this as dearly loved children. As children, we all imitated someone in some way, because that's how children learn. Of course, ideally you learn from the example of your parents (which is a lesson to all of us, that we need to be careful in our walk for the sake of those who would follow our lead). Because God loves us so much, He does all good things for us - He gives to us the best of who He is. In return, we should do the same and give to Him the best of who we are.
Sounds simple, right? Well, it is and it isn't. Like so many things in the Bible, the concept itself is easy enough to understand, but the practice is a whole different story. We spend our lives putting this command into practice, constantly striving to do better at it at all times. So, that's our goal, follow God's example, especially as we set the example for others!
Love,
Dad
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