Ephesians 5:1
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
Being an Imitator of GodBeing a Christian isn't about making a weekly trip to church. We need to develop the character of God so others can actually see Jesus working in a practical way.
Ephesians 5:1 says that we are to be imitators of God. Unfortunately, saying it is a lot easier than actually doing it.
So many times we do things that don't reflect God at all. It's easy to get discouraged, give up on and condemn ourselves when we fall short.
Thankfully, God isn't bothered that we haven't arrived yet. He knows we're only human. He knows that we're not going to instantly, perfectly mirror Him overnight, but He does want us to continue growing.
We're not meant to live stagnant lives, never moving forward in our faith. Where's the adventure in that? We need to be able to look back on our life and see some changes taking place.
I used to be a Pharisee. I think I could have been the chief of Pharisees. I had a real religious act going on, but I wasn't really doing anything to truly "imitate" God. At some point, God led me to ask myself: "What am I doing to be more like God? Am I actually helping anybody? Am I just in this thing so God will make my life better?"
When we're in a place of questioning, that's the best place to be. It's a place of constantly striving toward being more like Christ.
As you're striving, don't fall into the trap of perfectionism and self-condemnation. We all make mistakes but the important thing is to be willing to take steps every day toward being more like God.
Prayer Starter: God, I thank You that even though You see my mistakes, You still love me and help me live a godly life. While I refuse to be discouraged by my failures, I also refuse to stay the same. I choose to follow You and imitate You more and more each day.
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If you just started reading the Bible and have not yet asked Jesus into your heart to become your Lord and Savior, all you have to do is:
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
B - BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS GOD'S SON AND EXCEPT GOD'S GIFT OF FORGIVENESS FROM SIN
Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household"
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me."
Ephesians 2:8-9 ....8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
C - CONFESS YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD
Roman 10:9-10, 13 .....9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart the God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
If your are ready to ask Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior, you can pray a simple prayer like this to God.
Dear God,
I know I have sinned and my sin separates me from You. I am sorry for my sin. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me so my sin can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. God please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I will obey You and live for You the rest of my life, Thank You in Jesus' name I Pray. Amen
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