Imitators of God

"Be Imitators of God" is what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians. Dr. Daniel talked about that today in a passionate, soul-stirring message. Paul preceded those words by saying, "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." What does the mean? The Holy Spirit is a member of the Godhead who resides within us, and guides us toward God. Do not shatter, crush or break the heart of the Spirit by having these negative emotions. Knowing that it's challenging to be a new person in Christ Jesus, Paul gives us a formula: 1. Look inward. That is, take care of what is inside you. Search your own heart. Get rid of all that gunk. 2. Look outward. That is, take care of our relationships. "Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another." 3. Look upward. It's not enough to just look inward and

 look outward. We must look upward and recognize how Christ has forgiven us. And then be imitators of God. Live a life of love. If we are to live a new life in Christ, we must be aware of emotions within us that must be kept under control; we must have our eyes open to opportunities for service and witness through kindness and tenderheartedness and forgiveness directed toward the people that we meet. But , we must also focus our eyes on Him who comes to us with love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. Something to think about this week...How is God call you this week to "be imitators of God?" What are some ways in which you can touch other people's lives because God has touched your life? How is God calling you to rid yourself of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander with every form of malice? How can you be more kind, compassionate and forgiving of each other just Christ forgave you?

Gene Kelsey, Director of Christian Education