Whiteboard: Imitation

I put The Whiteboard to use in a new way this week.

Typically I have some sort of sketch, logo, or drawing on filling up The Whiteboard.

But this week that didn't happen because, frankly, drawing "imitate" is beyond my limited artistic abilities!

So instead, something new: A dictionary definition!

Imitate can mean "to copy or simulate." Although it didn't make it onto the board, imitate can also mean "to copy (a person's speech or mannerisms), especially for comic effect." But that is not what the Apostle Paul was talking about in Ephesians 5. He didn't want us to simply copy what God was doing or to talk in a way that we sound like God.

No, it is that last definition on The Whiteboard that really fits the bill. When Paul says 'imitate'  what he means is "take or follow as a model." That is to say, "imitate God" is like saying "take God as your model" or more simply "follow God."

So this Sunday we'll be talking about what that looks like. What does it look like to follow God? How can we be imitators of God who "live in love"? How do we move past empty mimicry and toward a life of genuine faithfulness?

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Ephesians 4:25-5:2 Rules for the New Life

So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbours, for we are members of one another. 

Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. 

Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labour and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy.

 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.