CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 807

“Imitators of God”

Eph 5: 1 (ESV)  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

—————————————————————————————-

I saw a video of my 3 year old grandson playing a toy electric guitar and singing the lyrics to a popular Christian song.  He was imitating his dad who plays guitar as part of the praise and worship team in their church.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to pick up the mannerisms and sayings of the people we spend the most time with? It is in our human nature to imitate and adapt to the ‘culture’ of our environment with children being the most impressionable.

We have tremendous power of influence by our example and such power carries with it an awesome responsibility to not lead others astray.  Under less than ideal circumstances, children like my grandson could very easily have been imitating the vulgar mannerisms and lyrics of gangsta rap or other less than wholesome secular music.

God cautioned the Israelites to be careful about imitation as He led them into the Promised Land.

When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. – Deu 18:9

Our secular work places are very much like the land the Lord warned the nation of Israel against.  How prepared were you to walk the walk of faith when you first entered the workforce? How prepared will your children be in school, college and the workplace?

Examine your family environmental and social contexts.  What influence is prevalent?  Does your home and family environment shield and protect your family from the sinful influence of this world?  Does it actively promote Christian values and work to equip your family with the full armor of God so that they can be influencers for Christ in the world?

We need to be in the world, but not of it. Are you as comfortable imitating God in the context of the work environment as you are in the church? Would you tell the same joke to your Pastor that you told at the office? Would you use the same expletive in Sunday school that you used to make your point at work?

As a leader in your home, workplace, government, or church does your example in word and action convey your Christian values?  Does your example glorify God and is it worthy of being imitated?

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. – Hebrews 13:7

May the Holy Spirit do a deep cleansing work in your heart so that you may be a powerful influence for Christ in your family and in this world.  May your children and others imitate your example as you imitate the example of Jesus.