ARE YOU IMITATING GOD?

Are you a Sunday Christian only or do you try to be like Him the other 6 days? Do you feel all you need to go to heaven is one hour on Sunday or join a church? Do you think people who get 'too serious' about God are sort of freaky?Maybe you are more religious than in a relationship with Jesus. Many people think the one day a week is just fine. To do more is sort of weird or goes overboard a bit. Really? Do you let problems get to you similar to those people who do not even read their Bible? I am sad to say there are believers who rarely ever pick up their Bible. If you live in a home with one, preaching to them is going to turn them more against it. The Holy Spirit has to work on them, not you! Just keep praying and be patient and walk with love in your house. In Psalm 101:2 it reminds us " I will be careful to lead a blameless life--when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart." Let God handle the details of your loved ones or friends as you continue to show love to them and keep praying.

Do you gossip, lie, cheat, backbite, fault find, speak harshly, refuse to forgive, and curse? Do you honestly think if Jesus were standing in the room with you that some of the things you did or said you would continue to do? Probably not. Why is it so hard to grasp that living the life dedicated to pleasing Jesus is something we are to be serious about? When you do not feed your mind and spirit a diet of God's word other than listening to watch the preacher or priest tells you on Sunday how can you possibly expect to be equipped for the battles, trials, and temptations that come your way? Your carnal nature will react negatively to things if you do not hide God's word in your  heart.

Are you an imitator of Jesus? Be honest. Ephesians 4:25-5:2 says "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body .“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

So do you imitate God? There are no qualifiers here such as "well you do not know what they did to me". "Well his sin is despicable and I have a right to react that way." "He had it coming." Do these statements sound like imitations of our Lord? No they do not. Start today each day getting into the word of God and responding with love, kindness and grace even to those who seemingly do not deserve it. That is what Jesus would do.

PRAYER: Father I am not the judge of other people. It is my job to try to love like you love and be kind to others. I am not supposed to be kind to those if they are acting good but all people. Forgive me if I have ever been hateful, crude, cruel, or mean to someone. In Jesus Name. Amen.