Nougat 9

Although crafted in God’s likeness; we are not demi-gods. And any action that fails to reflect that is sin. What we are called to do is live according to God’s purpose. And that’s the instruction in today’s Holy Nougat

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,’ says George Bernard Shaw. Were the word ‘sincerest’ removed from the quote, one might have a moment’s pause. For flattery is deceptive. Hence, in Matthew 18:8, Jesus observes: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” ‭‭

God desires so much more from us. Our decision to imitate God ought to be rooted in true praise, true worship, and a true desire to be discipled. And as good disciples, we are obedient to our Teacher at all times.

So how do we follow, rather how can we imitate a God Who is totally invisible? Is that not demanding the impossible? Not when we have the ‘Cliff Notes’ on God’s actions throughout Creation. For the Holy Bible, though an inspired Word of God, gives the best description of God’s work in and with Creation. It reflects many facets of God, over time, with humanity and in humanity, working for the redemption of a lost humanity. And, it offers evidence of God’s self-revelation to humanity also chronicled therein, in Spirit and literally enfleshed in Christ Jesus. So we have the assurance that the Bible does provide a précis of God in action.

Knowing How God acts with us, for us and in us is by no means imitating God. If we imitate by emulating another, then having studied about God’s behavior; we simply adopt them. We might not get it all, but we can master some parts. And that’s easier accomplished when we have a personal relationship with God for ourselves.

That’s where Jesus Christ and God’s Spirit come in. For Jesus enables us through the Spirit of God dwelling within to imitate God. Just like that. Not simple per se; but doable. Especially now.

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May all we seek be found in Christ